Joplin, MO
Disaster Description
Joplin is located in the south west corner of Missouri, very close to the Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas borders. Joplin was named after Reverend Harris Joplin, an early settler in the area and the founder of the area’s first Methodist congregation. Today, approximately 50,000 people live within city limits. The surrounding metropolitan area is home to nearly 175,000 people. Nearly 15% live below the poverty line.
On May 22, 2011 an EF-5 tornado cut through the center of Joplin, MO. The tornado grew to over a mile wide. In addition to 7,000 homes being completely destroyed, the town’s infrastructure was also heavily damaged, including the hospital and school. In addition to the loss of property, 159 lives were lost during the storm, making this disaster the second deadliest tornado in all of US history.
MDS Response
Local MDS volunteers responded to the news of the tornado immediately. Within 24 hours, volunteers were helping to clear access roads and were working with local farmers to help move animals to safety. In the weeks to follow, thousands of volunteers poured into the area to begin the job of cleaning up. Weeks later, the first repairs began and will continue for years to come.
Photo Gallery
Second-floor-gone--photo-by-J-Klassen
The second floor of this home in Joplin, MO, was ripped off by the tornado.
Al-Hanna,-JK,-KK,-Leland-lost-everything-but-Mennonite-community-cookbook
A homeowner talks with Jerry Klassen, Disaster Response Coordinator, Kevin King, Executive Director, and Leland Hostetlet, Volunteer Coordinator for the Joplin response, about MDS volunteers coming to help clear debris.
Craig-waiting-in-the-rafters-for-some-more-cement-to-top-the-saferoom
Craig is waiting in the rafters for more cement.
Gordon Nathaneal Jessica and Tim tear off the old roof of Ms Tawanas house
Gordon, Nathaneal, Jessica and Tim tear the old roof off of Ms. Tawana's house.
Ivan Ruth Jane Adam and Rob being efficient
Ivan, Ruth Jane, Adam and Rob working together on the foundation.
Michael H and Aaron chisel out the log for the receptical boxes
Michael and Aaron chisel out the log for the receptacle boxes.
Serenity Emily and Leah work together on the log house
Serenity, Emily and Leah work at the log house together.
Stan works hard at the log house
Stan is making sure things will line up while working at the project in Joplin, MO.
Tami Jennifer and Konner clean their painting supplies
Tami, Jennifer and Konner clean up after a day of painting.
Project Reports
Weekly Report for Joplin, MO
This week we enjoyed our working team of 16 students and staff from Bethel College in Kansas, as well as Wilbur and Barb Sink from Ohio. At Mr. Clark’s house, more concrete was poured into the forms in the basement. They now...[more]
Map/Directions
Project statistics
Project Address: 5062 E. 27th St., Joplin, MO 64801
Tel: Office (417) 627-9908
E-mail: joplin(at)mds.mennonite.net
Project Director: Harv and Lin Hildebrand
Project is closed.
Volunteers to date since Oct. 2012 : 272
Jobs Started since Oct. 2012 : 21
Jobs Completed since Oct. 2012: 9
Joplin Volunteer Information
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