Dayton-Area Family Affected by Tornadoes Return Home

When the tornadoes passed through Dayton on May 28th of 2019, Vietnam War veteran Chris Johnson and his wife Dorothy’s home became unlivable. The roof was structurally damaged, windows were blown out, and siding had been stripped from the house. As a result, the couple was forced to find another place to live until their home could be repaired.

The Johnsons applied for assistance with the repairs and the work began this past March. CareSource is proud to have joined the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati, the Miami Valley Long Term Recovery Group, and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Dayton to fund the project. Habitat for Humanity managed the project, however, getting the work completed required Habitat volunteers as well as a dedicated group from the SouthBrook Christian Church Disaster Response Team.

“CareSource understands the impact safe and affordable housing has on health, both on an individual and community level,” said Amy Riegel, Director of Housing at CareSource. “Rebuilding the Johnson’s home was truly a collaborative effort with many strong partners from Dayton involved with supporting the work.”

As the house progressed, the need for more work was uncovered and the home underwent electrical and plumbing upgrades as well as the addition of home insulation. Logan Heating and Air Conditioning donated and installed a new HVAC system in the home. Consulting with the homeowners uncovered a need to move the laundry from the basement to the first floor. Volunteers tackled the additional construction required while a stackable washer and dryer were donated from the Dayton ReStore.

“I’m just glad to be here. I appreciate everybody’s help that we’re able to get back in," Chris Johnson told the Dayton Daily News. "We moved here 24 years ago and it looks better now than it did when we first moved in here. So they did a great job, everybody involved. I’m just grateful for them.”

The Johnson’s home is the 17th tornado-damaged house to be repaired by Habitat for Humanity in partnership with the Miami Valley Long Term Recovery Group. Eight more home repair projects are underway or being planned, underscoring the tremendous need generated by the 2019 tornadoes.

Norm Miozzi, Dayton Habitat’s Executive Director, said “Habitat’s mission has always been centered around providing stability through homeownership. Helping families like the Johnsons recover from the tornadoes helps re-stabilize more than their lives and their neighborhood. It keeps Dayton Strong!”