Foundation raises $500,000 to help with tornado relief

A joint fund by the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga and the United Way of Greater Chattanooga has raised more than $500,000 to help with tornado relief efforts from the storm that hit Hamilton County a month ago.

More than $300,000 of the money raised has been distributed to groups doing relief efforts, including the American Red Cross, Hamilton County Schools, the Salvation Army and the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga.

On the evening of April 12, a series of tornadoes caused widespread damage in North Georgia and Southeast Tennessee, destroying hundreds of homes and killing at least 11 people. An EF3 tornado was recorded in Hamilton County, damaging homes in Brainerd, East Ridge and Ooltewah.

The tornado relief fund supports nonprofits helping people affected by the storms. The YMCA provided emergency shelter for families until hotels or temporary housing was secured. The Red Cross and Salvation Army are providing direct financial assistance to families.

“Once again, our community has opened its heart and arms to those hit hardest in the wake of an unexpected tragedy,” said Maeghan Jones, president of the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, in a statement. “Chattanooga, above all of the other many qualities that make it a great place to call home, is remarkable because of its incredible capacity for generosity and compassion.”

More grants will be awarded in the coming weeks, the Community Foundation said in a statement.