Grants to aid tornado victims still without jobs, permanent home

Waiting for repairs
A half a million dollars in grants will go to agencies helping north Minneapolis tornado victims to find counseling, jobs and permanent housing. Many victims of the May 22, 2011 tornado have not yet been able to resume their lives. Pictured is this storm-damaged home on the 3000 block of Logan Avenue.
MPR Photo/Laura Yuen

More than a half a million dollars in grants will go to agencies helping north Minneapolis tornado victims.

Agencies receiving the grants will use the money to help victims find jobs, housing and counseling. Many tornado victims are still bouncing from among residences, and are looking for more permanent housing.

The grants come from the Minnesota Helps Fund, which was created by the Minneapolis Foundation and the Greater Twin Cities United Way.

"Whether it's been shelters and in some cases, extended stay hotels, but many of those options are either, funding for those has ended or families are just ready to move on," said Minneapolis Foundation vice president Karen Kelley-Ariwoola.

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The Minnesota Helps Fund has distributed a total of $1.1 million in grants since the May 22 tornado, she said.

Officials with the Minneapolis Foundation and the Greater Twin Cities United Way announced Wednesday that they're awarding a new round of grants to agencies helping north Minneapolis tornado victims. More than $500,000 is being distributed among dozens of groups that help people affected by the storm find jobs, housing, health care and other basic needs.

The agencies have already helped many people displaced by the tornado. Kelley-Ariwoola said many more will need help in the months to finding housing and work.

"It's hard to keep a job while you're trying to respond to this kind of a tragedy. I think that employment issues will continue to be a challenge," Kelley-Ariwoola said.

Tornado victims can also call a new hotline that is staffed Monday through Friday during business hours. The number is 612 787-3730.