DeSoto County aids Rolling Fork recovery

Photo: A Rolling Fork family after the ribbon cutting in August for their new mobile home. The home was donated to them in the aftermath of the 2023 tornado. (Courtesy Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi)

Aug 27, 2024 – During the evening of March 24, 2023, an EF4 tornado blew through the small Sharkey County town of Rolling Fork, Mississippi. It was part of a larger severe storm system that swept across the Southern United States with peak winds between 170-200 miles per house that powered the tornado. 

Significant damage and lost lives were the result of the storm. More than 20 people died in what was determined to be one of the state’s deadliest tornadoes and the most powerful in recent history for the Magnolia State.  

In the aftermath, the town has begun the recovery and rebuilding process. That effort has received the attention of people from all walks of life, including legacy Mississippi football standout Archie Manning and television celebrity and Mississippi native Robin Roberts. 

The recovery continues today and, interestingly enough, DeSoto County has become one of the most benevolent areas for funding to Rolling Fork. That’s according to Keith Fulcher, President of the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi. 

Fulcher said many of the residents in the community need places to live and the Community Foundation is working with a nonprofit in the Delta area to provide that housing. Mobile homes for displaced residents are being given to them, shelter they will own and not have to return. While not elaborate, the homes become an item they now own and is not rented shelter, as they had before.  

Of the amount raised for the mobile homes, about $80,000 has come from DeSoto County 

Fulcher said one anonymous donor provided $50,000 with a commitment to offer more if and when needed.  

Support from the area began from the very moment the tornado hit Rolling Fork, Fulcher said.  

“One of our employees suggested a donation drive,” Fulcher said. “We rented a 26-foot U-Haul truck and by Saturday afternoon it was almost full. We sent out to area churches a list of essentials for Rolling Fork and we were overwhelmed with items.”  

Items were being stored in the Community Foundation office and a second truck with those items were sent down to Rolling Fork.

Regarding the mobile homes, Fulcher said the need for housing in the small community was there before the tornado hit, a storm that took away whatever shelter most of them had.  

“There is still an overwhelming need, especially for children, especially with nutrition and healthcare,” Fulcher said. “That’s our focus now, and through Pam Chatman’s nonprofit, we are working with Pam on providing healthy snacks to the children as they go to school in Anguilla.”

Pam Chatman is a former television news anchor and news director who is often referred to as “The Boss Lady.” Chatman left television to begin The Boss Lady Workforce Transportation, an initiative to help residents of small rural communities travel to job opportunities at FedEx hubs in Memphis and Olive Branch. This service has significantly improved access to stable, well-paying jobs with benefits for many Delta residents.

Chatman, with her foundation, has been very active in helping Rolling Fork recover. Money raised by the Community Foundation gets funneled through Chatman’s nonprofit to purchase mobile homes and other needs for the town.  

“I think that DeSoto County, along with North Mississippi, has stepped up to the plate to help in the cleanup of the city with items that are needed,” Chatman said. “Mississippians are a giving people but we really step up when there is a crisis. Whether it’s a storm or fire, we show up.” 

The resilience and efforts to rebuild in Rolling Fork have been a testament to the strength of the community. But Fulchar said the need remains as Rolling Fork continues to recover. 

For more information about donating to the Rolling Fork recovery, contact the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi.