JOPLIN, MISSOURI -
A group of senior citizens on a fixed income attend what they call a "homecoming" today.
Mercy Housing, separate from Mercy Hospital in Joplin, was destroyed by the May 22 tornado.
All survived the tornado, but there are still strong memories.
"Coming to one of these openings, or reopening's, just makes it all worthwhile," says Sister Lillian Murphy of Mercy Housing. "Now we know why we do this."
Mercy Housing rebuilt, and people like Saundra Dover returned.
"I'm a senior on social security income," Dover says. "I don't know of any other place that I can live in as clean and secure environment for the amount of money that I pay for rent here."
Dover is more than content with the complex itself, but she is heavy hearted.
"Part of what I feel is ashamed that I would hesitate to come back, because God was so good to us here, so I should know that this is a good place for me to be," says Dover.
Two floors house 65 units - 40 of them are already occupied.
Most tenants are tornado survivors.
"They are supporting each other," says Sister Murphy. "They are helping each other heal and the more they talk about it, actually, the better."
Dover showed us a stairwell in the complex, saying says her legs are heavy from emotional memories.
"That was the first time in a storm warning I had not gone to the stairwell," Dover says. "Had I gone there, I would have been sucked out."
Dover instead went into a first-floor restroom.
She now lives among faith and support.
"Welcome home" cards from students at Immanuel Lutheran School in Joplin show care right from the heart.
But hearts are still broken.
"I think time will heal this," says Sister Murphy.
And friends promise support.
Residents say they are looking forward to the many birthday celebrations, barbeques, and other parties that will be held at the complex.
Today's ceremony was also attended by U.S. Congressman Billy Long.
