On May 22, 2011, a mile-wide, cataclysmic tornado changed Joplin, Missouri forever, leaving 160 dead and 900 injured. Chicago resident Hannah Simpson Jefferies, who was visiting her hometown when the tornado hit, was moved to action. She and her coworkers organized 5for1, a national poster competition to increase awareness and raise funds for Joplin’s rebuilding efforts. This May, the posters travelled on exhibit at the Memorial Art Reference Library, with proceeds benefitting Project JOMO, an organization that provides free storm shelters for thousands of people in need of adequate shelter. Today, the posters have found a permanent home in the offices of Rebuild Joplin!, which coordinates Americorp volunteer efforts to build permanent housing for those impacted by the tornado. Prints will soon be available for purchase as part of the community’s continuing fundraising efforts. For more information, please visit Rebuild Joplin. www.50000feet.com/news
