CAMP GRAVES

On December 10th, 2021, an EF4 tornado devastated Mayfield, Ky, and the surrounding area. The damage inflicted on the property and the people of our community called everyone to action.
Camp Graves began by meeting the immediate needs of one disaster with food, hygiene, housing, heating supplies, etc. But, through that work we identified that many needs existed prior to the tornado and would persist long after our community rebuilt. Rebuilding property is the easy part, it is rebuilding the person that takes time. With the influx of assistance to aid in the tornado recovery, Camp Graves has taken this temporary opportunity and created a permanent resource.
With multiple housing locations, we continue to house those displaced by disaster or due to no fault of their own and have added programs to target underserved homeless populations. At our main site, we will utilize 6 of our smaller housing units for the “Fostering Potential” program. This program will assist aging out foster children ages 18-21 in obtaining and maintaining transportation, financial, employment, and housing stability while they navigate the challenges of adulthood and independence. Camp Rendezvous Veteran Housing and Work Center focuses on meeting the unique needs of our Veterans. It houses 9 Veteran residents including an ADA mini apartment for a veteran with accessibility needs. Additionally, Camp Rendezvous offers a therapeutic work center with a woodshop, small greenhouse, painting and art room. To assist the local Hispanic population Camp Sanctuary provides housing and connects families with resources that minimize language and cultural barriers. At all of our locations, supportive services are provided to residents, giving them the opportunity to break negative cycles, gain independence from government entitlements, secure permanent housing, improve their employment situation, take advantage of educational opportunities, become more financially stable, and get connected to resources to meet their unique needs long after moving forward from our program.
When you are in need, it can be frustrating and disheartening to not know where to turn or where to start to find help. We have gathered contact and program information that started as a stack of sticky notes and scribblings in notebooks, to create a “Community Resource Bank”. This compilation of hundreds of resources can be a starting point for those in need to get connected to the organizations and programs that can meet their need. We are working towards getting this "resource bank" added to our website to provide public access.
Camp Graves is grateful for all those who have given their time, talents, and funds to support us in our initial and ongoing missions to serve our community.