Poarch Creek Donation Will Help Webster's Chapel Rebuild Community Center

POARCH CREEK INDIAN RESERVATION, June 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Residents of Webster's Chapel, a Calhoun County community near Gadsden, are finally able to complete rebuilding a community center there that was leveled by a tornado more than 6 years ago thanks to a $15,000 donation from the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.

The community center was housed in an old school building converted to accommodate the center and a fire station. The building was leveled by an EF4 tornado on April 27, 2011.

Insurance and other public funding covered the cost of a new fire station, but Webster's Chapel residents have worked for several years to raise the $113,000 needed to complete the community center's rebuilding. The first phase of the project – a concrete and steel storm shelter that will serve as the center's basement, has already been completed, but the Tribe's contribution will allow work to continue on the center's above ground structure.

"We really appreciate Poarch's donation," said Jerry King, the Chairman of Webster's Chapel Tornado Recovery Board. "It will help us rebuild our community center that will house the storm shelter and will be a vital part of our local community for years to come."   

Tribal Chair/CEO Stephanie Bryan noted, "We live in a part of the State that is often hit by tornados, and we know how hard it is for communities to recover after that kind of devastating loss. We are happy to help our neighbors rebuild a place that will not only offer a place to gather but also to come for protection from future storms."

The Poarch Creek Indian's donation of $15,000 represents the largest single private donation to the community's efforts which include securing $10,000 from the county coffers, $22,000 from federal relief funds, multiple private donations, and offers from citizens to donate materials and labor.

"The community of Webster's Chapel was devastated when the tornado came through in April of 2011, including their community building," said U.S. Congressman Mike Rodgers, who represents Alabama's 3^rd Congressional District. He continued, "I appreciate this generous contribution to help this community recover and rebuild."

About the Poarch Band of Creek Indians 
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is the only federally recognized Indian Tribe in the state of Alabama, operating as a sovereign nation with its own system of government and bylaws. The Tribe operates a variety of economic enterprises, which employ hundreds of area residents. The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is an active partner in the state of Alabama, contributing to economic, educational, social and cultural projects benefiting both tribal members and residents of these local communities and neighboring towns.

SOURCE Poarch Band of Creek Indians