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
our-group-of-ladies-standing-near-the-office-trailer-in-the-bright-morning-sun
Our group of ladies in the bright sun.
Bill-standing-next-to-the-newly-installed-cabinet-sink-and-countertop
Bill standing next to the newly installed cabinet and sink.
Betty-Tina-Diane-and-Brenda-keep-up-wiht-painting-the-trim-in-the-livingromm
Betty, Tina, Diane and Brenda paint the livingroom trim.
Betty-Tina-Diane-and-Brenda-keep-up-wiht-painting-the-trim-in-the-livingromm
Betty, Tina, Diane and Brenda keep up with painting.
is-some-of-the-group-roasting-hot-dogs-during-the-farewell-for-8-of-our-group-and-a-party-for-the-homeowners
Roasting hot dogs at a party for our homeowners.
homeowner-and-her-friend-holding-one-of-their-old-window-frames-that-now-holds-many-picture-taken-during-the-project-La Vonne-and-Brenda-look-on
The homeowner and a friend show a window from her old home filled with construction photos of her new home. LaVonne and Brenda look on.
Tina-and-Carolyn-putting-spindles-on-the-porch-railing
Tina and Carolyn putting spindles on the porch railing.
Betty-putting-up-siding at the Cordova, AL, project.
Betty putting up siding at the project in Cordova, AL.
The-men-filled-the-generator-so-we-could-work-during-the-two-day-power-outage
We operated by generator the week after the storm.
Henry-putting-trim-around-the-passage-window-in-the-community-kitchen
Henry putting trim around the passage window.
Bernie-does-the-sink-plumbing-as-Agnes-watches-to-see-that-it-is-done-well
Bernie works on the sink plumbing while Agnes watches to make sure he does it correctly.
Norm-and-Bernie-measure-counter-top-before-cutting
Norm and Bernie measure the counter top before making a cut.
Mic-putting-the-final-touches-on-the-bathroom-wall
Mic putting the final touches on the bathroom wall.
Carolyn-inside-a-cabinet-with-Agnes-ready-to-let-her-out
Carolyn works in very tight spaces...but Agnes will let her out!
Weekly Reports
Weekly Report for Cordova RV
It hardly seems possible that it is time to leave Alabama and the projects here. Four of us worked Friday and all six of us on Saturday to try and complete the things in the Community kitchen. We did get done with what Norm had...[more]
Map/Directions
Response statistics
MDS Cordova - RV Project
c/o Sleepy Hollow Campground
174 Sleepy Holler Circle
Cordova, AL 35550
Phone: (717) 926-8495
Project is closed.
Project Director: Norm and Carolyn Ringenberg
E-mail: cordovarv(at)mds.mennonite.net
Volunteers to date: 99
Jobs Started: 18
Jobs Completed: 17
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