Resiliency defines our community in the wake of tragedy and challenges
Montgomery County experienced many significant events over the past few years that have left a mark on all of us. The devastation of the Memorial Day tornadoes, the trauma of the Oregon District shootings, and the physical, mental and emotional anguish of COVID-19 will be felt for years.
Despite these trials, we have proven that we are resilient, innovative and inclusive stewards of our communities and that our citizens are natural collaborators.
Here are just a couple of examples of how agencies have pulled together to continue offering programming and services to residents despite the many challenges that came their way over the past few years.
The community response to the tornado recovery work involved more than 40 organizations. The Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission (MVRPC) led in the creation of a long-term strategy for recovery from the devastating effects of the tornado. Those efforts include securing funding, coordinating resource sharing with other local, state and federal organizations, and planning for repairing/rebuilding within affected jurisdictions.
Relief stations quickly emerged with bottled water, food, clothing, diapers and more. Dozens of our county workers were quickly deployed into devastated neighborhoods to help residents apply for emergency food assistance and for vouchers to replace ruined appliances and furniture.
Additional recovery efforts include the unification of Affordable Housing and Neighborhood Stabilization to provide tornado-impacted renters with opportunities to become homeowners through the Pathway to Homeownership Project. This program creates affordable, homeownership opportunities in the cities of Dayton and Trotwood and in Harrison Twp.
As of December 2021, there were 16 affordable Pathway homes underway: four in the city of Dayton, six in Harrison Twp. and six in Trotwood. (For more information, visit the Pathway to Homeownership Program - Homeownership Center Dayton at homeownershipdayton.org).
While the devastation from the tornadoes that hit Montgomery County is still visible today, we have seen significant improvements, even in some of our hardest-hit communities. Sinclair Park sustained an estimated $765,000 in damage, yet the park officially reopened earlier this month.
In addition to the reopening, the 100th tree was planted on that very same day. While the trees will take several years to reach the capacity of the ones we lost, it’s a sign of vitality to the community to see them in their infancy. Additionally, the trees will enhance the oxygen levels in the environment and re-establish animal habitats.
The Miami Valley TREEcovery Campaign, which is led by Keep America Beautiful, has been invaluable in efforts to “heal the landscape” through their RETREET program. Owners of residential properties in Montgomery County that were impacted by the tornadoes can visit www.retreet.org/ mvtc to request that free trees be planted on their properties.
As Montgomery County was grappling with the aftermath of the 2019 tornadoes, residents were faced with yet another catastrophic event — the Oregon District mass shooting. This mass shooting shocked us all and wounded the mental health of many, many residents. Mental health resources were deployed to help those who needed it. There is rarely any positive outcome to such a heartbreak, but for us, like the tornadoes, this tragedy ignited a more resilient spirit and established a “Dayton Strong” campaign.
Undoubtedly the last few years have been challenging and affected our mental well-being. We are fortunate that along with other states, this summer we will have access to a new 988 number (similar to calling 911 for medical emergencies) as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number to call for mental health crises.
We encourage all residents to maintain their mental health and understand the importance of seeking support and help when necessary.
The pandemic also caused many citizens to experience behavioral health issues, but its challenges again brought out our community’s resilience. Key services and programs did not stop when COVID-19 ravaged our community. Throughout the pandemic, we continued to hold important meetings and events, and offer vital services utilizing virtual, hybrid and in-person yet socially distant methods.
Our first Safe Sleep drive-through event, organized by our EveryOne Reach One Maternal and Infant Vitality Task Force, was one way we provided services while maintaining social distancing. The Task Force provided portable cribs to families in need of a safe sleeping environment for their babies, enforcing doctor-recommended sleep strategies for children and potentially saving lives.
We also held the 11th annual Montgomery County Food Summit, an entirely virtual event, allowing for participation from anyone who wanted to take part. This programming provided information on local efforts to increase food equity in our region, current and upcoming initiatives to address hunger, and even soil regenerative concepts that allow for a more sustainable way to grow food.
We know the need for affordable, healthy, and readily available food increased substantially during the pandemic, as many families grappled with lower wages and as a result of our weakened economy. Even now, we know many families struggle with putting food on the table. Our efforts to provide food equity will continue until everyone can maintain a healthy diet.
As a county leader, I know there is still much work to be done in our community. We will continue to aggressively address major issues like homelessness, infant mortality, addiction, and reentry and criminal justice reform, while providing resources and opportunities for all to lead safe, healthy, and productive lives.