Nonprofit with Kokomo ties helps repair storm-damaged homes

KOKOMO, Ind. (AP) - A national nonprofit with roots in Kokomo is helping repair local homes following an August tornado that caused severe damage in the area.

The Kokomo Tribune (http://bit.ly/2dKRpkY ) reported that the Kokomo chapter of The Three Nails Project, a faith-based organization, has repaired more than 50 homes after the storm hit Howard County on Aug. 24. Rob Betts, director of the Kokomo chapter, said the repairs usually take one day if weather conditions permit.

"It's really based on the need and (making) sure people are dry and safe, that's the big thing," Betts said.

The organization's founder, Bob Morrison, grew up in Kokomo and began The Three Nails Project in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina caused devastation in some southern states.

"It started out as just myself with a backpack responding to Katrina and grew into an organization where it's all volunteers," Morrison said.

Morrison has since grown his cause to help victims of natural disasters across the U.S. Other branches of The Three Nails Project are in Fort Wayne, Chicago, southern Illinois, Pennsylvania and Missouri.

According to Morrison the organization targets people who are elderly, disabled or don't have insurance.

"Once you get into the disaster field and you get your feet on the ground in disaster, that's where you want to be," Morrison said. You know it's what God called you to do . and it doesn't matter what church you go to as long as you have a big heart."

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Information from: Kokomo Tribune, http://www.ktonline.com