Luther Rice Journal of Christian Studies
P a g e | 88
The Impact of COVID-19 and an EF-4 Tornado in Coweta County, Georgia By Ann Kerlin, Ph.D1 Introduction This paper describes the results of a study created to explore the impact of COVID-19 on clients at One Roof Ecumenical Alliance Outreach, a faith-based charity located in Coweta County, Georgia. About halfway through the data collection process, this county was struck by an EF-4 tornado during the night of March 25-26, 2021. Many public buildings as well as 1,726 homes were damaged; of these, 99 homes were destroyed, and 174 received major damage. The tornado struck an area that included many lower-income residents, displacing both renters and homeowners, many of whom were without insurance. In fact, the Coweta County School System declared that an additional 119 students were classified as homeless according to the McKinneyVento Homeless Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. §11431 et seq. due to the tornado. The area was declared a federal disaster site by President Biden. It is estimated that it will require 3 years to physically recover from all the damage. Having experienced both a global pandemic and a very destructive tornado, the implications for the mental health of the community are a concern..2,3
1
Ann Kerlin, PhD, Liberty University, 2013. Dr. Kerlin has an M.Div. from Luther Rice College & Seminary, and an MA in Human Services from Liberty University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor who also enjoys research on trauma and addictions. She is the coordinator of the MABC program at LRCS. Wei Shi and Brian J. Hall, “What Can We Do for People Exposed to Multiple Traumatic Events during the Coronavirus Pandemic?,” Asian Journal of Psychiatry 51 (June 1, 2020): 102-165, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajp.2020.102065. 2
Harris Hyun-Soo Kim and James Laurence, “COVID-19 Restrictions and Mental Distress among American Adults: Evidence from Corona Impact Survey (W1 and W2),” Journal 3
