Hope After the Storm: Donors Help Rome Rebuild Following Tornado Devastation

On the evening of July 16, 2024, an EF-2 tornado ripped through Downtown Rome, leaving behind a trail of destruction and heartbreak. The damage was immediate and visible for miles. In the face of this crisis, something remarkable happened—neighbors came together and donors from all over the country stepped up to support those impacted by the event.

The storm damaged several of Rome’s most iconic symbols: the B-52 airplane was knocked from its foundation, the steeple of St. Mary’s of the Assumption Church collapsed into its roof, and the beloved mural of Brigadier General Peter Gansevoort was destroyed.

Over the last few years, tornadoes have become more prevalent in Central New York. In 2024, the state experienced a record-breaking 32 tornadoes—the highest number of touchdowns in New York’s history. Within hours of the tragic event, the Community Foundation established the Rome, NY Emergency Response Fund to aid impacted residents and was actively working to align efforts with Oneida County officials and the City of Rome.

What began as an emergency call-to-action quickly became a powerful testament to generosity and collaboration. Nearly $2 million was raised, including $1.5 million from Oneida County, $33,650 from United Way of the Mohawk Valley, and more than $490,000 from community and corporate donors. In total, the fund received over 570 donations from 26 different states.

“When we learned of the level of devastation impacting the residents and businesses in Rome, we immediately started asking, ‘How can we help?’ By donating to the fund created by the Community Foundation, we knew our donation would go directly to the most important needs in the Rome community,” said Lydia Berez, Utica National Insurance Group Vice President – Compliance Officer, Internal Audit and Regulatory Affairs.

Rome residents impacted by the tornado were invited to apply for relief funding through an application process jointly conducted by the Community Foundation, Oneida County and City of Rome. More than $1.8 million in aid was approved, with over 500 residents receiving emergency assistance to help with expenses related to insurance deductibles, home repairs, tree removal and relocation.

“In the wake of unimaginable devastation, the people of Rome showed us what true resilience looks like,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. “Oneida County was proud to stand alongside the City of Rome and the Community Foundation to deliver real help, quickly and directly, to those impacted. This was more than a disaster response—it was a demonstration of unity, strength, and our unwavering commitment to rebuilding stronger than before.”

“The strength of Rome lies not just in its people, but in the partnerships that support them. In the aftermath of the tornado, the collaboration between the City of Rome, Oneida County, and the Community Foundation was nothing short of remarkable," said Mayor of Rome Jeffrey M. Lanigan. "Through the Rome, NY Emergency Response Fund, we mobilized quickly to meet urgent needs and begin the hard work of rebuilding. This united response is a powerful example of what we can achieve when we come together with purpose, compassion, and commitment to our community’s resilience.”

Using the process that was put to work for the Rome storms, the Community Foundation and Oneida County pulled together yet again in June 2025 to support the Town of Kirkland, Clark Mills, and surrounding areas that were heavily impacted by another powerful tornado.

The devastation left behind after events of this nature are heartbreaking, but the partnerships and collaboration formed to support the community are remarkable. It is a reflection of the power of people—donors, neighbors, and partners—who answer the call in a community’s time of need.