Video: Families Still Struggling after April Tornadoes

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LOUISVILLE, Miss. (WCBI) — The EF-4 tornado that destroyed Louisville back in April continues to have a number of side effects on residents.

WCBI introduces you to the McQueen family. Their home wasn’t destroyed, but the twister has had a major impact on their lives.

A job is gone, and then illness hit their family. Now, they’re trying to get back on their feet.

This apartment has been home for the McQueen family for three years, and they don’t want to lose it.

“With my mom being in the hospital, and her coming home, and not having nowhere to go, I think that would hurt me the most,” said JoNesha McQueen.

JoNesha’s mother, Yvette, lost her hospital job after the April 28 tornado, and has been very sick since – having major heart surgeries, and not being able to work.

Yvette’s husband, Warrent, even had to quit his job to help take care of her. It’s been very difficult for the family.

“We had an eviction notice, and we went to court today, so they’re giving us 10 days,” Yvette said.

Yvette is still waiting on disability money. Until then, there’s not much income coming in.

“I’m not asking for a handout,” Warrent said. “If it’s work, I don’t mind working for it.”

JoNesha works full time, but can only afford to pay for their food, utilities, and medicine, and they’re worried about losing their home if they can’t pay their rent.

She says they’ve looked at cheaper apartments in Louisville, but there weren’t any openings.

“Due to the tornado, people are trying to find somewhere else to go to , so being that the tornado hit, about everything here is filled,” JoNesha said.

With just a few days before they have to move out of their apartment, the McQueen family is reaching out for help.

“I felt like I’ve done all I can do,” JoNesha said. “There’s really nothing else more I can do. I’ve explored all my options.”

WCBI reached out to the company that owns the McQueens’ apartment complex, Hughes Management, Inc. They told us, “We continue to help them the best we can to keep them in the apartment, and will continue to do so as long as possible.”

The McQueens are hoping to receive some disability assistance soon.

If you’d like to help, contact JoNesha at 662-803-3198.