ALBEMARLE AREA UNITED WAY
Northeast NC – Albemarle Area United Way is proud to report that all seven families displaced by the EF 1 Tornado that impacted the Longview Estates community on March 17, 2025, have returned to normal living situations.
Fortunately, the recovery process was shorter than expected. “There were literally hundreds of folks both individuals and organizations who rallied around these survivors,” exclaimed Executive Director, Bill Blake. “We can’t thank our community enough for the outpouring of love and support that was demonstrated in the midst of this crisis.”
At the forefront of this effort was the Perquimans County Emergency Management Team. Within hours of the disaster, they enacted their emergency plan. Countless volunteer organizations raised their hands and joined the effort to assist. These organizations included Towne South Church of Christ, RISE, Porter’s Chapel AME Zion, Fountain of Life Church, American Red Cross, and countless others.
Returning to new homes would not have been this quick if not for the hard work, compassion and drive of Harley Cole, owner of Forbes Homes, who immediately ordered new homes and began cleaning and rebuilding efforts. “There’s a reason Mr. Cole was the recipient of our third annual Philanthropy Award. As I remarked during his recognition, Harley would literally give a person the shirt of his back if they needed it,” stated Blake.
As part of the emergency response plan, Albemarle Area United Way implemented the Perquimans 2025 Tornado Fund. Generous gifts ranging from $25 to $7,000 flooded in and enabled Alexandra Lekki, Community Care Collaborative Program Manager, to assist with long-term recovery.
Please allow us to thank all of them – Albemarle Area Association of Realtors, Albemarle Lodge 463 Woodmen of the World, Harvest Christian Fellowship, Hertford UMC, Mt. Sinai Baptist, Riverside UMC, St, John’s Baptist, State Employees Association of NC, UWNC, Zeta Kappa Omega, Timbermill Wind, and 40 individual donors.
“Thank you for loving your neighbors the United Way!” Blake said.
About Albemarle Area United Way: Albemarle Area United Way is a not-for-profit organization fighting for the health, education, and financial stability of residents in the Albemarle area. For more information on how you can give or to volunteer please call us at 252-333-1510, visit us online at aaunitedway.org or like us on Facebook.