A Nebraska volunteer, whose own home was devastated by a tornado nearly two years ago, is now giving back by helping Oklahoma families affected by the recent tornadoes near Enid.
Justin Philp Volunteering with Omaha Rapid Response
Justin Philp, a volunteer with Omaha Rapid Response, is dedicating his time and efforts to helping survivors of the April tornadoes in Oklahoma.
Philp recently moved back into his rebuilt home in Nebraska after enduring a long recovery process following a destructive tornado that tore through his area.
Instead of resting, he traveled to Oklahoma to assist those suffering similar losses.
What is Omaha Rapid Response Doing?
Omaha Rapid Response is a faith-based nonprofit that provides disaster relief across the country. The organization focuses on:
- Debris cleanup
- Chainsaw work
- Recovering personal belongings
- Emotional support for survivors
Philp, who is part of the team, said helping tornado survivors is deeply personal because of his own experience with disaster recovery.
“I know what it kind of feels like to be sitting there helpless,” Philp said, reflecting on his own experiences during the aftermath of the tornado in Nebraska.
Philp’s Experience with Tornado Recovery
Philp’s home in Nebraska was destroyed by a tornado nearly two years ago, leaving his family to cope with the trauma of the event. His family spent months navigating insurance claims, working through rebuilding plans, and dealing with temporary housing.
After enduring the long recovery process, Philp and his family finally moved back into their home just a few months ago. Despite still settling into his rebuilt home, Philp decided to travel to Oklahoma to help those affected by the recent tornadoes near Enid.
“You really need to lean on each other, and I think mental health is extremely important during something like this because it’s a very depressing thing,” Philp said. “The reality starts hitting that everything’s gone.”
Omaha Rapid Response’s Mission and Impact
Omaha Rapid Response focuses on more than just physical recovery. The organization is dedicated to offering emotional support and helping survivors recover sentimental items, such as family photos and heirlooms, that are often lost in the devastation.
According to Omaha Rapid Response President Ken Gruber:
“We just go in, and we build relationships, and we follow up with the victims and survivors of disasters.”
Philp echoed this sentiment, stating, “We will do absolutely anything these families need or want of us.”
The group’s mission is not only to provide immediate help after disasters but to form lasting relationships with affected families, offering ongoing support.
Plans to Return to Oklahoma
While the volunteer team recently concluded its initial visit to Oklahoma, they plan to return within the next week to continue assisting families near Enid.
Gruber emphasized that disaster victims often get forgotten after the initial response phase ends. However, Omaha Rapid Response plans to remain involved in the recovery process for the long term, continuing to support survivors in the months ahead.
Ongoing Support for Disaster Survivors
The work of Omaha Rapid Response highlights the importance of both physical and emotional recovery in the aftermath of disasters.
The team’s commitment to supporting Oklahoma families, along with the personal experience of volunteers like Philp, underscores the crucial role of community and mental health support during such traumatic times.
The story of Justin Philp and his volunteer work is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of helping others when you’ve experienced hardship yourself.
