Cordova, AL
Disaster Description
Cordova, located just west of Birmingham was founded in 1871, just after the Civil War. Most of the original settlers were of English ancestry and the town was named after one of the major industrial cities in the United Kingdom. In the early days of Birmingham’s history, the major industries were iron and steel. Birmingham is the largest city in the state of Alabama with a population of approximately 200,000 people. Twenty-five percent of the population lives below the poverty line.
Alabama residents saw one of the worst tornado outbreaks ever on April 27, 2011. Over 60 tornados were reported on that day across the state and 243 people lost their lives. More than 13,000 homes were destroyed or heavily damaged across the state. Cordova, Birmingham and surrounding areas took a direct hit.
MDS Response
MDS has strong connections in the area from several local Mennonite affiliated congregations and due to extensive work by MDS volunteers in 1998 following tornados. MDS completed weeks of clean up in the area and are now ready to begin the long process of rebuilding. Volunteers will be parking their RV’s at the Sleepy Holler Camp Ground. Current work includes both repairs and building new homes in the county.
Photo Gallery
Alvin and Jake tearing out the damaged ceiling in house 2
Alvin and Jake tearing out the damaged ceiling.
Jake W Alvin Ken Nick and Jake M planning to repair this porch
Jake W., Alvin, Ken, Nick and Jake M. planning the repair of the porch.
Marlene and Eva cutting spindles for the porch
Marlene and Eva cutting spindles for the porch at the RV project in Cordova, AL.
Paul-Kennedy-with-the-Walker-County-LTRC-and-homeowner-Lemuel-Mc Elrath-and-his-cousin-and-friend-Henry
Paul Kennedy with the Walker Co. LTRC with homeowner, Mr. Lemeul, and his cousing Henry at the house dedication.
Nick replacing boards with windows at Mr Richards
Nick replacing boards with windows in Mr. Richard's house.
Bert-and-Don-discussing-new-steps-for-Miss-SAndra
Bert and Don discuss new steps for Miss Sandra's home.
Henry-and-Bert-discussing-siding-for-Miss-Sandras-house-in-Sipsey-AL
Henry and Bert discuss new siding for Miss Sandra's home.
Project Reports
Map/Directions
Project statistics
MDS Cordova - RV Project
c/o Sleepy Hollow Campground
174 Sleepy Holler Circle
Cordova, AL 35550
Phone: (717) 926-8495
Project Director:
Cordova 1 -Bert and Doreen Warms
E-mail: cordovarv(at)mds.mennonite.net
Cordova 2 -Jake and Verna Martens
E-mail: cordovarv2(at)mds.mennonite.net
Volunteers to date: 46
Jobs Started: 11
Jobs Completed: 6
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