Saving Selma

Selma church rebuilds daycare destroyed in 2023 tornado

From the West Alabama Newsroom– The city of Selma continues to show signs of recovery more than two years after the devastating tornado in 2023. That EF-2 tornado destroyed about a third of the city including the daycare facility at Crosspoint Christian Church. The church is now rebuilding a brand new facility. The new construction project is another sign of…

SAVING SELMA: Tornado recovery efforts continue in Selma

From the West Alabama Newsroom– A group of volunteers is using a common proverb — a little elbow grease — and their faith — to help families in Selma — rebuild their lives. It’s said — the way to eat an elephant — is one bite at a time. The proverb illustrates the strategy — of breaking down a large,…

Selma AmeriCorps builds its members and the community

From the West Alabama Newsroom– AmeriCorps — it’s members — and the work they do — are being highlighted all over the country — as part of National AmeriCorps Week. The federal program provides communities with manpower and resources needed to address specific challenges within a community. Selma AmeriCorps members are working to help a community — that’s still trying…

SAVING SELMA: Tornado recovery efforts continue

From the West Alabama Newsroom– The city of Selma is still picking up the pieces — after the devastating tornado that ripped through the city nearly two years ago. The long road to recovery continues in the city — after the devastation caused by an EF-2 tornado — back in January of 2023. City crews are still demolishing and cleaning…

PERC Selma gives residents a voice in the grant process

From the West Alabama Newsroom– Millions of federal dollars could be on the way to Selma to help improve living conditions in the city. City leaders are reaching out to the community for help — to determine the best ways to use federal grant money. The Selma CNTR is heading up the outreach effort. Executive Director Ainka Jackson says residents…

SAVING SELMA: Dallas Co. Jail rebuild makes progress

From the West Alabama Newsroom– The work rebuilding the Dallas County Jail continues to make progress — and phase one of the project is nearing completion. The jail was one of the many buildings destroyed in January of 2023 — when an EF-2 tornado hit Selma. The tornado ripped the roof off the building and caused extensive water damage inside….

Selma neighborhood revitalization project beginning to take shape

From the West Alabama Newsroom– A revitalization project is starting to take shape in a Selma neighborhood devastated by the January 12th tornado — and years of neglect. The 1400 block of Washington Street is undergoing a welcome transformation. Some of the dilapidated houses that lined the street for years — are gone and construction of four new homes —…

First of 100 affordable new modular homes delivered in Selma

From the West Alabama Newsroom– At least a hundred affordable brand new homes are on their way to Selma — as construction starts to ramp up around the city. It’s part of the Safe Livable Neighborhoods Recovery Initiative — a project aimed at revitalizing neighborhoods devastated by the January 12th tornado. The initiative was announced at a press conference Tuesday…

Grants awarded to help preserve historic Selma church

From the West Alabama Newsroom– Tabernacle Baptist Church in Selma — receives two grants to help preserve the church and its rich history. The roof of the church — including the iconic dome — was damaged last year when an EF-2 tornado ripped through the city. Now the church has the funds needed to replace both — after being awarded…