Neighbors and non-profits work to clear out storm damage    

THREE RIVERS, Mich. — A number of non-profits from throughout the country are gathered in southwest Michigan right now, working alongside neighbors to pick up the pieces after Friday's tornadoes.

Some of those groups include the Red Cross, Samaritan's Purse and Operation BBQ Relief, each of which were operating out of Riverside Church near downtown Three Rivers.

While the Red Cross shelter is now closed, Christian non-profit Samaritan's purse, will stay in the area for weeks if need-be to help rebuild homes and support residents impacted by the storms.

Pastor Erick Penn tells our team that the Red Cross responded to the damage area the same night the storms hit, providing cots, blankets and supplies right away.

Penn also says they had more than 50 volunteers from within the congregation on hand to help just a half-hour after storms hit.

Surrounding homes and neighborhoods, left rattled by the sudden EF2 tornado, which residents say ripped through the area in a matter of minutes.

One resident our crew spoke with, Mildred Bellaire, says she's lived in Three Rivers for 20 years, and has never seen damage this bad. At the time of our interview, Bellaire still had no power, though many in the area have their lights back on.

Even Riverside Church was dealing with damage, which included fallen bricks and a partially collapsed wall.