PORTAGE, Mich. (WOOD) — It has been more than three months since an EF2 tornado devastated several homes and businesses in Portage.
On Thursday night, Bell’s Eccentric Cafe is opening its doors for a benefit concert to support the ongoing relief effort. Bell’s Brewery is partnering with the Sounds of the Zoo festival to bring together three local music groups — all in an effort to support the Kalamazoo Community Foundation’s Community Urgent Relief Fund. The fund is a partnership with the United Way of South Central Michigan.
This space for unity and healing comes as many are still working to clean up.
“It’s been a matter of patience, but now two and a half months later, you can see we’re making progress,” said Stan Massey, Portage resident.
Massey looks out to his neighborhood on Quail Street as contractors work on siding and tarps cover the roofs of some of his neighbors.
He said he’s one of the lucky ones who can stay in their homes after an EF2 tornado tore through sections of portage back in May. Massey showed us where a tree branch broke through his wall. Now, a tarp covers the damage.