Other than a few volunteers and residents cleaning up debris, the neighborhoods in Silver City are quiet and still. But a few miles north in Belzoni, their neighbors are welcoming victims and asking what they need.
The shelter is set up in a multipurpose government building, and has tables overflowing with water, imperishable food, clothing, and hygiene items. Debra Giles is a Chancery Court Judge for Sunflower and Humphreys counties. She says she's volunteering because her constituents are like family to her, and they need a lot of help to get their lives back on track.
"It's no one particular thing," she said. "I think what we've seen most is the love... Our community has shown that, knowing that people need everything, they're coming out in significant numbers to address those needs."
Employees from FEMA were present at the shelter helping victims apply for individual assistance. Waiting in line was Silver City resident Constance Burley, who says both her home and her father's home were damaged by the storms.
"I think once we get our lights and things back on, we'll get back to some kind of normalcy." she said. "I think that will be the first step, and then work on getting my dad's home fixed so that he can live in it."
Back in Silver City, Clinton Ginn is cleaning up the debris from his home of over 16 years. He says his community will bounce back like it always does.
"We, the people of Silver City, we've been resilient people." he said. "We've been through things together. We always looked out for each other and it's not going to change... We're going to be strong."
Volunteers say they expect to have the shelter running for the remainder of the week.
