Tornado
Relief
The March 24 tornado outbreak brought tragedy and destruction to many communities in Mississippi, including in Monroe County. This page lists resources for individuals impacted by the storm and how people can help support the relief effort.
United Way is also assisting with relief efforts in Pontotoc County, in conjunction with the Pontotoc EMA and city and county officials, after the storms of March 31/April 1.
If you have questions not answered on this page, please call us at 662-841-9133.
We have partnered with CREATE Foundation to launch the Amory and Monroe County Disaster Relief Fund. Click the Donate button to make your contribution online with a credit or debit card.
You may also call 662-841-9133 to give over the phone or mail checks to United Way of Northeast Mississippi at PO Box 334, Tupelo, MS 38802.
Resources for Affected Households
For help in Monroe County, call the United Way & Volunteer Northeast Mississippi info line at 662-231-3959 or 662-231-6224. In Pontotoc, call 662-489-3946.
Apply for Recovery Assistance
Your first step should be to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) if you have not yet done so. Your FEMA registration number will help expedite other services.
The best way to apply is to go in person to the Monroe County Government Complex. You can also call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or visit DisasterAssistance.gov. Use code DR 4697 to indicate that you are in Monroe County, MS.
You will need to be ready to provide your social security number, address and phone number, household financial information, information about the damage to your home, homeowners insurance coverage, and possibly direct deposit information.
Register with the American Red Cross by calling 800-RED CROSS (733-2767).
You must register with each service individually. Registering for one does not automatically sign you up for assistance with the other.
Supplies
The distribution centers in Amory, Smithville, and Wren will cease operations on Wednesday, April 19 at 4:00 p.m.
Other organizations have supplies available:
- Adventist Community Services, 602 Hwy 278 in Amory, will have distribution from 10:00-3:00 on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.
- RISE Disaster Recovery: location and times TBA
- Love Without Walls: location and times TBA
- Lifesprings Ministry, 1120 A Ave in Amory, times TBA
Shelter, Showers, and Laundry
The Red Cross Shelter is no longer in operation. Shower and laundry services are also no longer in operation, as water and electricity have been restored.
Other Resources
- Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith’s staff has created a resource page for disaster information
- Victims of the severe storms are eligible for passport fee waivers when replacing passports that were lost in the disaster. Learn more at https://travel.state.gov/disaster
- Download the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Resource Sheet
- Visit the Small Business Administration for information about disaster loan assistance for small businesses or download the disaster loan fact sheet
- The Small Business Administration has announced the opening of a Business Recovery Center in Monroe County to assist Mississippians applying for a disaster loan. Download the press release in English or in Spanish
- FEMA warns of fraud after a disaster. Read the press release with information to keep you safe.
- FEMA may help with storm-damaged vehicles. Download the fact sheet for more information.
To Help with the Relief Effort
Monetary donations can be made by clicking the button above.
Donations of supplies are no longer an immediate need. If you have supplies, please contact one of the organizations listed above that is doing ongoing distribution.
Most volunteer needs at this stage are for groups with heavy equipment. If you have the equipment and want to help, call us at 662-231-6224.
If you are coming to feed people in Monroe County (Amory, Smithville, Wren, or other areas) or Pontotoc County, please let Jason Martin with the Hunger Coalition know at 662-432-1894. He is coordinating feeding sites to ensure that food is taken to the areas of most need and so that people and volunteers know where to go to find food.
