JOPLIN, Mo. —
EDITOR’S NOTE: Since October, a Joplin Globe series has been telling the story of the many hands that play a role in recovery from the 2011 tornado by following the construction of a Habitat for Humanity home at 2630 S. Wall Ave. Every piece of the home and every volunteer has a story.
Look for comprehensive coverage, photos and online extras in next Sunday’s Joplin Globe.
On Wednesday, Ed and Angela Kunce will be able to call 2630 S. Wall Ave. home.
It will be the last in a string of moves they’ve made since May 22, 2011, but this one is it, they say.
The Kunces were in their apartment on 20th Street when the storm hit and they sought shelter in one of their two bathrooms. Since the storm, they resumed their lives — Ed as a sales representative at Osborne Paper Co. and Angela at Mercy Hospital’s Oncology Clinic. They also say they’ve been appreciative of all the donated help, including clothes and shoes.
But it’s not the same, they said, when you don’t have a real home anymore.
Since October, they worked alongside dozens of volunteers from the Justice League and from across the United States who responded to Joplin Area Habitat for Humanity’s call for help in rebuilding homes.
Theirs is one of 71 homes that will be completed by Habitat by the time the two-year anniversary of the tornado rolls around on May 22.
Carpet was put in place last week, and landscaping was all that remained this weekend as Habitat’s local director, Scott Clayton, was preparing for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which is set for 3 p.m. Wednesday at the home.
Clayton will offer the welcome, followed by a presentation from Justice League members Phil Metz and Judge Gayle Crane.
The Kunces will say a few words, followed by a presentation of the Bible and a prayer offered by Faye Blevins, First Christian Church of Joplin.
Then, following the ribbon-cutting by the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, the Kunces will have a home again.
Local News
Related Photos
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Cody Tubbs, owners of CT’s Flooring, works on a carpet seam Tuesday afternoon at 2630 S. Wall Ave. in Joplin. The home will dedicated Wednesday afternoon. GLOBE | ROGER NOMER
Discussion
Habitat plans dedication of home on Wednesday
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