Supporting Tylertown and Collins in the Aftermath of Devastating Tornadoes

Collins Miss—In the wake of the destructive tornadoes that recently tore through Tylertown and Collins, families across these communities have been left grappling with the loss of their homes, possessions, and sense of stability. The Mississippi People’s Movement (MPM), alongside dedicated volunteers and partner organizations, quickly mobilized to provide urgent relief and long-term support for those affected.

Delivering Essential Aid to Families in Need

On Saturday and Monday, MPM organizers and volunteers traveled across the state to bring immediate relief to families in Tylertown and Collins. The devastation was evident—homes destroyed, power outages, and families struggling to meet their basic needs. Volunteers conducted intake assessments for approximately 12 households, ensuring that the most urgent needs were addressed.

MPM and its partners provided:

• 30 backpacks containing hygiene packs, towels, first aid kits, reusable water bottles, flashlights, and mediplanners

• 10 tarps for families trying to salvage what remained of their homes

• Purchased and distributed essential items, including men’s, women’s, and children’s underwear and socks, deodorant, soap, laundry detergent, menstrual supplies, pet food, and milk for a two-year-old

• School supplies and clothing for a young girl returning to school on Monday

MPM is committed to continuing this support and is already making plans to return to the area with additional supplies on Monday or Tuesday.

Coordinating for Long-Term Recovery

While immediate relief efforts are critical, the road to recovery will be long. A rapid response call was held on Monday to assess the next steps for providing sustained aid to these communities. One of the most pressing concerns is that impacted residents will not have the support of a Red Cross shelter moving forward, leaving many families without a clear path to safe housing.

MPM organizers are actively discussing intermediate-term shelter solutions for families whose homes were completely destroyed. Another priority is debris removal, a crucial step in the rebuilding process.

Demanding Resources for Recovery

MPM is committed to pushing for systemic support to ensure these families are not forgotten. The next step in our response is to pressure county supervisors and state representatives to secure resources for these communities. These families deserve more than short-term relief—they need sustained support to rebuild their lives.

As we continue our efforts, we encourage our community members and supporters to stay engaged. Donations, volunteer efforts, and advocacy will all play a role in ensuring Tylertown and Collins recover from this disaster. MPM remains dedicated to fighting for justice, resilience, and support for Mississippi’s most vulnerable communities.

Stay tuned for updates on our next aid deliveries and how you can get involved in the recovery efforts!