Greensburg, Kansas, to Rebuild Green After Devastating Tornado

On May 4, 2007, the small Midwestern town of Greensburg, Kansas, was ravaged by a fierce tornado, resulting in a tragic loss of life and displacing more than 1,500 people. Almost every home, business, hospital, and school was decimated in the process, leaving the once-vibrant farming community shattered and in ruins. But Mayor John Janssen, who inherited the office three weeks after the tornado struck, sees one glimmer of hope amid the destruction: A clean slate for a fresh start.

Greensburg, Kansas, will become the subject of a new 13-part television series headlining Planet Green's launch lineup, which will chronicle the town's journey as it is rebuilt into a sustainable model of eco-living—one that will save the tight-knit community from future environmental catastrophe. Produced by actor Leonardo DiCaprio and his production company, Appian Way, along with Craig Piligian of Pilgrim Films & Television, the show will follow state and local officials as they make efforts to build an ecologically and economically sustainable locale that will encourage the storm's victims to return to their homes and workplaces.

The people of Greensburg could use your help to resurrect their town. The South Central Community Foundation, which covers seven counties, including Kiowa County (of which Greensburg is the county seat), has established the Greensburg Future Fund to collect donations for rebuilding the town. While the board of the SCCF has designated a committee to make specific decisions about where the money can be best spent, every dollar you contribute is earmarked only for Greensburg projects.

Where is Greensburg

Photos of the town before the tornado

Photos of the damage

Temporary Homes