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By Special to the Advance

The Poarch Creek Indians announced Thursday that they donated $140,000 to River Region United Way, which is spearheading rebuilding efforts in Flatwood.
In December 2022, the rural community outside of Montgomery, was devastated by a tornado and has been struggling to raise funds to rebuild.

The donation came at a community event held on a concrete slab – all that remains of the Flatwood Community Center – which was once a gathering place for residents of this small community outside of Montgomery.

PCI Tribal Chair and CEO Stephanie A. Bryan spoke to residents of Flatwood.

“We watched the news back in December and grieved for the people of Flatwood,” Bryan said. “We are so thankful that the United Way is here, on the ground, working to rebuild this community and we are so glad to be able to help in their efforts. God has blessed us and in return, we get to bless you all. We can rebuild together.”

Jannah Morgan Bailey, president and CEO of River Region United Way said, “in the four months since the natural disaster, we have received over $300,000 that enabled us to buy three homes for residents who lost everything in the storm. Unfortunately, there is a lot of unmet needs here still, and we are committed to seeing the job through. This community is very strong, and recovery here is more than building a house, it is about rebuilding a community.”

Bryan and Bailey were joined at the event by Sen. Kirk Hatcher, Rep. Kenyatta Hassell, as well as several local elected officials, pastors and community residents.

River Region United Way is working to meet immediate needs and well as on long-term plans to help rebuild the community and stabilize life for its residents. All of the funds collected by United Way will go to help the Flatwood community.

The mission of River Region United Way is to improve lives and strengthen our communities by identifying needs and solving critical problems. United, we fight for the health, education, financial stability and basic needs of every person in every community we serve. To learn more, visit our website https://www.rruw.org/