When natural disasters strike elsewhere, generous companies and individuals around the world and in the Bay State are quick to offer a helping hand.

In 2005, residents in Wayland formed the charity “From Wayland to Waveland” to help a family rebuild their home after Hurricane Katrina. In March, many local institutions, including Needham Bank, pitched in to help set up a Red Cross fund for the Japanese earthquake and tsunami survivors.

Such devastation hasn’t hit this close to home until last week, when three tornadoes ravaged Central and Western Massachusetts, leaving at least four dead and more than 200 injured. The widespread disaster flattened hundreds of homes and caused damage in at least 19 communities.

In a city already plagued by high crime and poverty rates, Springfield is now facing one of the biggest challenges in its history. Residents and businesses must rebuild their lives and homes wrecked by a powerful and unexpected chain of events.

Before tornadoes struck, the economy in Western Massachusetts was struggling. The foreclosure crisis hit hard in the working-class city of about 140,000 residents. So far this year, the city has the largest volume of foreclosure starts in the state. Since 2005, single-family home sales have dropped more than 50 percent.

Just a day before the storm, a local newspaper reported grim news about Springfield’s unemployment rate. “While the state’s overall unemployment rate stood at 7.4 percent – better than the rest of the nation – Springfield’s unemployment rate was 11.6,” the paper reported. An economic report citing the employment rates called for state and local officials to continue long-term efforts “to improve both public education and to rebuild their civic and physical infrastructure.”

In a few short minutes last week, that physical infrastructure was shaken to its core. About 15 miles away, the town of Monson experienced significant damage from the storm. Agawam, Brimfield, Sturbridge, West Springfield, Westfield and Wilbraham have also been determined as “hard-hit” communities.

But in both large cities like Springfield and small communities like Monson, the response has been the same. Neighbors have shown compassion and resiliency by handing out bottles of water, delivering food to volunteers and donating time and resources. Local banks are offering emergency loans. The gestures of goodwill go beyond the headlines.

The optimism among those in the community is admirable. The twister paved a path of destruction 10 blocks wide in some parts of Downtown Springfield, which has been plagued by high vacancy rates in commercial buildings. Windows were blown out of buildings, roofs were ripped off and weak buildings are set for demolition. Already, executives have their sights sets on repairs and are hopeful that renovated space in the post-storm days will attract new tenants.

Kevin Sears, last year’s president of the Massachusetts Association of Realtors, said he already sees the light at the end of the tunnel.

“Once the area is safe and open, I’m sure the community will come together and support those local businesses,” he told Banker & Tradesman.

Each day, a new financial institution, insurance company or real estate brokerage announces a large lump sum to donate to victims. Gov. Deval Patrick, who toured the damaged areas last week, promised residents a better tomorrow.

It may take months, and even years, to restore these communities. But they will recover and overcome adversity – together.