Causes Rural Resurrection Supports

Causes that Rural Resurrection Supports is a new, ongoing post that highlights those impacted by disasters or rural projects that need support from others. When new posts on this subject are added to the blog, this post will typically be updated and republished soon afterward.

Across the rural Midwest, there are stories of resilience, community, and the will to rise again. Rural Resurrection believes every small town deserves a second act. But that second act often needs a boost from the outside to work. That’s why some of the towns and projects I have discussed in this blog need the spotlight.

Communities Impacted by Disaster

Over the years, Rural Resurrection has reported on communities that have shown their strength in the face of disaster. Although some of these disasters occurred a while ago, the recovery process is still underway. Most of these posts do not have links to how you can give; however, the Red Cross, a local community foundation, or other local philanthropic organizations are often available.

Grafton, Illinois – Recovering from the 2019 Floods

Brownville, Nebraska – Recovering from the 2019 Floods

Minden, Iowa – Recovering from a 2024 Tornado

Greenfield, Iowa – Recovering from a 2024 Tornado

Adaptive Reuse Projects

Adaptive Reuse is a relatively popular category for the Rural Resurrection website. If done right, an adaptive reuse project may be a profitable venture for those involved. But many adaptive reuse projects are not profitable ventures, but efforts by a community to reuse a structure to benefit its residents.

Ridgeway, Wisconsin – Ridgeway Community Center

Like many small communities, the Village of Ridgeway lost its school. But residents of this small town made lemonade out of lemons with the school building.

Bancroft, Iowa – Summit Center

One of my stops during RAGBRAI ’25 was Bancroft, Iowa. There, the Summit Center sits as an ideal example of how adaptive reuse can have a positive impact.

Other Community Projects

Sometimes, there are other efforts that communities are working on that deserve attention. These may not have a specific category, but they are worthy of recognition and maybe a little assistance.

Gothenburg, Nebraska – Sod Witch Trail Fundraiser

In Gothenburg, Nebraska, Halloween is not just about community and tourism. It’s also an opportunity to help out the local theater.

You may know of a rural community that is putting in the effort to recover from a disaster or undertake a project to make their community better. A town or village that may be a helpful example to other communities, don’t keep it to yourself! Let us know through our contact form.