By Lois McCartney | Project leader
Nine months and still so much to do. Homes in Duplin County are in various stages of rebuilding with 40 still not cleaned out from the storm. Frustration has set in and people are tired of waiting - waiting for help from anybody. Sub contractors are difficult to line up due to the sheer number of homes that need repaired. Money is slowly becoming available and volunteers from outside the area have started to arrive.
Here are a few stories of frustrated survivors of Hurricane Florence:
Mary is a 61 year old suffering from cancer. Her home was damaged during Hurricane Matthew in 2016. She is still waiting on repairs to be made. September 2018 her house suffered more damage from Florence. Her roof leaks, the ceilings are coming down and there is mold on the walls. Mary still lives in the home.
Sandra and her family are currently living in a camping trailer furnished by Fema. They are using insurance money and personal savings to make repairs to their home, doing the work themselves. They received a letter recently from Fema stating that in March 2020 they will have to start paying rent, $300 per month, for the camping trailer. They will also have to be out of the trailer in May 2020.
Henry is seeking help from Legal Aide for "shodding repairs" made to his home by an out of state contractor working with the Step program. The work will all have to be redone.
We have heard 16 cases and helped each one with furniture, appliances, air conditioners, porch steps, and so much more. We have established a bond with 30 resource agencies who are able to help with unmet needs including physical needs and emotional needs. We are planning a Hurricane Expo for August 10 so that we can begin to help people be prepared before another disaster. Agencies will provide information and some items needed for an emergency kit. There will be activities for the entire family even children. Being prepared with an emergency kit and the knowledge of what to do following a disaster helps eleviate the fear.
To our community we say "Your gonna be ok" We are here with you until everyone achieves a new normal for being safe and secure.
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