Storm Shelter Grant
By: David R. Heckard
Updated: June 16, 2012
GRIFFIN, Ind. - Griffin, Indiana knows about tornadoes.
"My grandmother Davis, she had a brother-in-law that got killed in it."
The Tri-State Tornado of 1925 devastated the town - and resident haven't forgotten that day.
Their answer - a reinforced storm shelter purchased by Leona Varner.
The cost - nothing.
"What we have to offer is what they call a 504 home repair loan and grant program. It started with the 504 housing act. It's for eligible rural areas."
Terri Weyer is with the USDA Rural Development Office. Her office is using that same 504 money to help Tri-Staters purchase storm shelters.
"The grant specifically is for to remove health and safety hazards and to provide handicap accessibility," Weyer said. "We consider storm shelters a safety hazard, especially if they live in manufactured homes."
It was actually Varner's idea. She wanted a storm shelter and received a grant to purchase and install it. It was built so big so that her neighbors could also seek shelter when a big storm hits.
And its the talk of residents in this small town.
"I think it's great. I think it's great," Griffin resident Gloria Simmons said. "I can't imagine somebody living in a trailer that wouldn't have one."
To be eligible for the grant, people must live in the home the shelter will go, be at least 62 years old and meet certain income requirements.
Weyer hopes this is the first of many storm shelters her office helps install.
"I hope that we get more inquires for this, because I know it is an issue," Weyer said. "When the storms happen, they happen very quickly and people need a place to go."
****
Weyer said they are already placing two more storm shelters in the area.
For more information, contact your local USDA Rural Development Office.
"My grandmother Davis, she had a brother-in-law that got killed in it."
The Tri-State Tornado of 1925 devastated the town - and resident haven't forgotten that day.
Their answer - a reinforced storm shelter purchased by Leona Varner.
The cost - nothing.
"What we have to offer is what they call a 504 home repair loan and grant program. It started with the 504 housing act. It's for eligible rural areas."
Terri Weyer is with the USDA Rural Development Office. Her office is using that same 504 money to help Tri-Staters purchase storm shelters.
"The grant specifically is for to remove health and safety hazards and to provide handicap accessibility," Weyer said. "We consider storm shelters a safety hazard, especially if they live in manufactured homes."
It was actually Varner's idea. She wanted a storm shelter and received a grant to purchase and install it. It was built so big so that her neighbors could also seek shelter when a big storm hits.
And its the talk of residents in this small town.
"I think it's great. I think it's great," Griffin resident Gloria Simmons said. "I can't imagine somebody living in a trailer that wouldn't have one."
To be eligible for the grant, people must live in the home the shelter will go, be at least 62 years old and meet certain income requirements.
Weyer hopes this is the first of many storm shelters her office helps install.
"I hope that we get more inquires for this, because I know it is an issue," Weyer said. "When the storms happen, they happen very quickly and people need a place to go."
****
Weyer said they are already placing two more storm shelters in the area.
For more information, contact your local USDA Rural Development Office.
