Hometown Organizing Project

12/18/2025

From our Board of Directors: "We thank Justin for their tireless efforts over these past eight years, and wish him all the best in his future endeavors."

It is with a mix of sadness and great appreciation that we announce that Justin Vest will step down as the Executive Director of Hometown Action and Hometown Organizing Project, effective December 31, 2025.

12/11/2025

After 8 years of service, our Founder & Executive Director has announced they are stepping down from the role this month. But don't worry, Hometown isn't going anywhere! We are grateful for Justin's leadership and excited for this new chapter in the organization's history. Read the full statement below.

I’m writing to share that, after eight years, I will be stepping down from my role as Executive Director of Hometown Action and Hometown Organizing Project at the end of this year.

12/04/2025

Last week our organizers in Walker and Dallas counties provided food to around 60 people in our base ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. This came on the heels of the government shutdown that left many without SNAP benefits for weeks. Special shoutout to Elyton Baptist Church in Plantersville and Feeding Friends in Sumiton for their partnership and helping distribute food to even more families in need.

06/26/2025

Last week we held the first of what will become a monthly community gathering in Plantersville, AL! Nearly 50 people came out to share their experiences from the March 15th tornadoes and what the community still needs. We're grateful for the many local Dallas County organizers, elected officials, and Emergency Management staff who helped make it happen!

05/16/2025

🌱 Power in Numbers – Climate Justice Meeting on 5/22!! 🌱

Change doesn’t happen alone. It happens when people come together, share their stories, and build movements.

This month, we’re talking about collective power – those moments when we’ve felt powerful, the times we’ve felt powerless, and how we can use our voices to create real, lasting change in our communities.

🗓️ 5/22 | 6-7:30 PM
📍Zoom

Register here:

https://actionnetwork.org/events/may-climate-justice-community-gathering-2/?source=direct_link&

04/19/2025

Today we were in Sipsey in Walker County where volunteers distributed 30 Easter baskets to residents impacted by the March 15th tornadoes. We're committed to long-term disaster recovery and you can help by donating to our Rural Storm Response Fund: https://rur-al.org/StormResponse

04/17/2025

🌪️🤝 Connect with us on Zoom on April 24th at 6 PM CST to build resilience and prepare our communities for the storms ahead!

This month, we’re focusing on our disaster recovery presence in Sipsey, Maplesville, and Plantersville—exploring next steps in each of these rural communities. Additionally, we’ll honor the memory of those lost in the April 27th, 2011 tornadoes. 🕊️🖤

Let’s ensure Alabama is storm-ready, friends. ✊🏽✊🏼✊🏿 RSVP here to join us! https://actionnetwork.org/events/april-climate-justice-community-gathering

04/05/2025

The damage from the March 15th storms is a stark reminder of what’s at stake, particularly in our overlooked rural and low-income communities.

🤲🏽 In Dallas County, we’ve made significant new connections, uncovering a strong desire for support. We’ve secured a space for community gatherings to validate experiences and plan next steps together.

💗 Your support is essential. Guided by the PIES framework developed by Political Healers we are committed to meeting Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Spiritual needs, ensuring no one is left behind. Every bit of help fuels our mission to redefine recovery and resilience.

🔗 Check out the link below to learn more about how you can support our efforts or join our volunteer mobilization groups.

Support us:

https://actionnetwork.org/fundraising/support-our-rural-disaster-recovery-fund?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAactJzHA6Zor154i4sdxTklF6qPFYhnrZCEs4Bt4EXNfqCAzmWjyJX8qqXpGDg_aem_km4sidGZTdWTKwnp9z2NfA

Join us:

https://actionnetwork.org/forms/join-a-disaster-response-mobilization-team?link_id=2&can_id=cf1a37a2c8ed8fcc69d3809272316c76&source=email-behind-the-scenes-continuing-our-recovery-efforts-in-alabama-3&email_referrer=email_2685283&email_subject=our-framework-for-making-a-difference-in-alabama

03/28/2025

🌪️ Behind-The-Scenes: Ongoing Recovery Efforts in Alabama 🌿

Since the 3/15 storms, our team at Hometown Organizing Project has been tirelessly working behind the scenes to support rural communities across Alabama alongside organizations like Voces Inmigrantes Alabama and Clear Waters Cowboy Church. From conducting wellness checks to providing essential supplies, we’re committed to holistic recovery.

📸 Swipe to see our community in action and the spirit of resilience we’ve fostered together.

🚨 Up Next: Join us at Clear Waters Cowboy Church in Maplesville for another vital clean-up day! 🗓️ Date: Saturday, March 29th ⏰ Time: 10 AM - 3 PM. LINK TO SIGN UP:

https://actionnetwork.org/events/chilton-county-cleanup-day-2

Let’s continue to stand together; your support makes a difference!

03/21/2025

We’ve been on the ground in Sipsey, Mantua, Maplesville, and Plantersville—assessing damage, distributing food and water, and preparing disaster relief kits for families in need… and we plan to keep going!

In fact, join us for a CLEAN-UP DAY IN MAPLESVILLE THIS SATURDAY, MARCH 22nd FROM 9-12! Learn more/sign-up at the link in bio!

Here’s how you can help:
💵 Support → Help fund relief kits & direct aid.
💪🏿 Volunteer → Join cleanup & wellness checks or sign-up for our clean-up day.

The first wave of help always comes—but real recovery takes weeks and months. Let’s show up now.

🔗 Tap the link in bio to donate or sign up.

03/17/2025

🌪️ The storms that hit Alabama on Saturday, 3/15, devastated rural communities like Sipsey (Walker County), Mantua (Green County), and Maplesville (Chilton County). We’re already on the ground helping in these areas, but recovery will take all of us.

💔 Year after year, storms hit harder, and the government fails to invest in preparedness and relief—especially in rural areas. Storm season is JUST BEGINNING, and we must be ready—not just to respond, but to demand the resources our communities deserve.

🚨 We need YOU. Supporters, neighbors, organizers—everyone committed to climate justice and community care. Donate, show up, and help us build the resilience we need.

🔗 Want to help?
Support us financially here: https://actionnetwork.org/fundraising/support-our-rural-disaster-recovery-fund
Join our volunteer efforts here:
https://actionnetwork.org/forms/join-a-disaster-response-mobilization-team

03/15/2025

All of Alabama is under a severe weather threat today that could produce violent long-track tornadoes and large hail. Follow the National Weather Service for your region and have multiple ways to receive alerts! See the post below for important steps to take now before the storms hit.