A month after an EF2 tornado blew through Malden, the residents and area communities have rallied behind those affected to prove the town has been shaken, but not broken.
Since Ward 2 of the city was devastated by a tornado on Saturday, Feb. 24, the city has hauled away around 800 truckloads of debris. All families who were displaced now have a roof over their heads, whether it be with family members or a temporary home.
Malden has received several grants, but has not qualified for any state or federal funding, said Malden Mayor Denton Kooyman.
Malden had 78 homes impacted and an estimated $1 million in damages. To qualify for government assistance, at least 300 homes would have had to be damaged or there be $8.5 million in damages, he said.
"We are lucky we got away with what we got," Kooyman said.
The city has been able to apply for several grants which should arrive soon, including economic development grants, he said.
The Lions Club awarded a grant for $10,000 to assist with food and cleaning supplies. The Delta Area Economic Opportunity Corporation provided a donation of $20,000 for rent and utility bills for displaced victims.
While in Poplar Bluff last weekend, Gov. Eric Greitens said his team has reached out to identify resources from the Delta Regional Authority and additional grant money.
"We were really impressed with the people," Greitens said of a trip to Malden immediately after the tornado. "This is a strong, resilient community. We saw neighbors coming out supporting neighbors."
Greitens went on to say his office wants to do everything it can to support the people in Malden.
"I'm so impressed by their spirit and their courage and their resilience," he said. "We are behind them 100 percent."
In addition to grants, over $22,000 has been generated through the city's donation website. A benefit at the Malden American Legion raised $7,000, and the football booster's club raised $1,000 selling Boston butts. A T-shirt drive also has been successful, adding an additional $2,000 to the funds.
A musical is planned at the Malden Community Center on April 6 by the Hearts to Hearts group with a goal of raising $20,000 for the cause.
"Surrounding communities are still taking care of us," Kooyman said. "I like to say our football rivals are even stepping up."
The town of Hayti brought a bus loaded with food to Malden after the tornado.
He went on to praise area first responders and their willingness to offer help and support quickly after the tornado blew through Malden.
"They showed up from area communities without us calling them and asked where we needed them," Kooyman said. "Mutual aid is a good thing and they knew we would help them (other towns) if they needed it."
A state of emergency was declared by Kooyman the very evening the tornado touched down. It restricted movement in the damaged areas and blocked streets.
After the mile long, eighth of a mile wide storm hit, Kooyman said 11 families were displaced and that number quickly decreased to one family within four days. The Red Cross was able to place the families in hotels until a longer term solution was found.
Bootheel Boarding and Grooming owner Alex Ryan said initially seven dogs and six cats were in his care while families found places to stay. He currently said he has only one dog at his business.
"Progress has gone faster than I thought it would," Kooyman said. "This is thanks to the community outreach and people from surrounding communities."
Now, a month later, Kooyman feels the city is at a point to refocus on city issues while the Disaster Response Long Term Recovery Group becomes the new point of contact for victims.
Assistance groups and organizations have moved on and volunteers have returned to work.
The Long Term Recovery Group is stepping in and using their non-profit status to help the city and victims in the rebuilding process. All the money raised is funneled through the group and it includes board members from the city.
"The group will assess everyone's needs," Kooyman said. "This will be more efficient and we will be able to stretch the money further."
The Long Term Recovery Group can be contacted through the Malden Community Center and councilwoman Karen Haley.
The next step for tornado victims will include the assessment of their properties and providing assistance to victims without insurance.
Dunklin County Collector Kathy Rasberry has announced she will prorate property taxes for the year for victims. January and February must be paid. Once rebuilt, the properties will have to be reassessed. Victims must apply for this assistance themselves with the county.
If citizens impacted by the tornado decide they want to abandon their homes, the city has offered to allow the property to be signed over to the city to cover demolition costs.
"This allows for homes to not sit in someone's name and they be taxed on the property for years," Kooyman said. "We are not asking anyone to do this, but the city is willing to help in that way."
The support from elected officials has continued since Feb. 24, Kooyman added.
"I have received at least one call or text a day from Jason Smith's office," he said. "He has been a main, constant contact."
Kooyman added Speaker of the House Todd Richardson has reached out to the city numerous times and Sen. Roy Blunt has been through the area.
While the officials offer support and want to help, Kooyman said he understands "their hands are tied" by many state and federal regulations. He said he appreciates the support.
"It's good to know they are there if we need them," he said.