Seven families impacted by the March 2023 tornadoes that tore across portions of Mississippi are set to receive mobile home units, according to a press release from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The new homeowners will receive the keys to their units during a ceremony on Friday, Dec 20 at 11 a.m. inside Dukes Mobile Home Park in Anguilla. While FEMA is aiding in efforts to rehome the individuals, a generous donation from one local made the giving possible.
Retired Brig. Gen. Samuel Nichols, Jr. and his wife, Linda, donated more than $28,000 to be used towards purchasing the homes. Nichols, a longtime Army man who played football at Mississippi State, is a Biloxi native who has used his retirement to give back to his home state.
“Like many survivors of severe weather events, these families have had tremendous losses,” FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Craig Levy said. “This includes housing and financial losses and the stress that type of hardship causes. General and Mrs. Nichols’ generosity will give these families the stability of permanent housing and help relieve that stress. This is an indescribable gift during the holiday season.”
During the ceremony, the Nichols along with Dr. Pam Chatman, executive director of Boss Lady Economic Planning and Development, and partners, Keith Fulcher of the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi, NFL legend Archie Manning, and Olivia Manning will be recognized for their continued support in helping disaster survivors become new homeowners.