Kentucky collected $41M in donations for tornado victims. Where is the money going?

  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.

This story has been updated with new information.

MAYFIELD, Ky. — Robert Westenberger needed at least $2,000 to replace his roof, ripped apart by a deadly tornado that tore through Western Kentucky last month.

He'd already received $4,600 toward reconstruction from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. But the lowest estimate he got for the work was $6,600.

Before he dipped into his limited savings, Westenberger searched the website for the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund to see if he could apply for aid.

He found several ways to donate — but nowhere to request assistance.

Tornado coverage: Could American Rescue Plan money help pay for Kentucky tornado relief? It's complicated

Since Dec. 11, the fund has collected more than $41 million in donations from people nationwide.

Gov. Andy Beshear said its goal is to carry Kentucky through the recovery process after other aid dries up, including from the Red Cross and nonprofits.

But a lack of access to the money has left questions for tornado survivors who want to know how it will be spent and why more isn't being distributed quickly.

In an exclusive interview with The Courier Journal, Beshear said he understands residents' concerns.

"Hang with us," he said Wednesday. "And if there are ways you think the fund should be used, let us know. We'd love to consider ideas, we just want to make sure that we are wise in its use."

Beshear has repeatedly said 100% of donations will go to people affected by tornadoes that destroyed hundreds of buildings across more than a dozen counties on Dec. 10 and 11.

The fund will be subject to audit, and "people will be able to see every single expenditure," he said.

The first groups getting funding are:

►Families of 77 tornado victims, who have already received up to $10,000 toward funeral and burial expenses;

►And uninsured homeowners and renters, who will be awarded 20% of the final amount allocated to them by FEMA.

Beshear previously said uninsured homeowners would receive an extra 10%. But on Jan. 20, he announced renters would be added and the amount would be increased.

The most applicants can receive from FEMA is $37,900. Those who receive the maximum would get an additional $7,580 from the state fund.

Get help: FEMA trailers are coming to Kentucky. Here's what tornado survivors need to know.

In a press release, Beshear's office said the state expects to distribute $1.4 million from the fund to 1,400 Kentuckians who qualify for FEMA benefits — including 475 uninsured homeowners and 987 uninsured renters.

Beshear expects the first checks to be issued within the next few weeks.

People affected by the tornadoes can apply for FEMA assistance through Feb. 11.

The Public Protection Cabinet is charged with administering the fund, and employees will reach out to homeowners who qualify for assistance.

Homeowners will be required to sign a declaration stating the money won't be used for expenses the FEMA dollars covered, Beshear said. But they will not have to report how the state's money is spent.

Westenberger was surprised to learn from a reporter that he qualified for the funds.

The Mayfield resident didn't have insurance on the home he's owned for about 10 years and stands to receive $920, unless an appeal for more money from FEMA goes through.

Westenberger, who lives off disability benefits, "wiped out his savings to end up paying for the roof."

He said he'd appreciate any donated funds as he waits for a second estimate on repairing his home's foundation.

Reach reporter Bailey Loosemore at bloosemore@courier-journal.com, 502-582-4646 or on Twitter @bloosemore.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky tornado survivors question use of $41M in donations