Diane and her daughter Phyllis live 12 minutes apart. Before Hurricane Florence, they each had their share of tragedy.
Diane lost her husband and her son several years ago and has been struggling to pay her bills. Somehow, she has managed her income well enough to hold onto the home she and her husband purchased together.
Phyllis and her husband had a house fire and lost almost everything. Her husband started to repair the damage but did not complete it before he, too, passed away.
Both widows watched nervously as Hurricane Florence churned toward them, knowing their homes may not be able to withstand severe weather. Hurricane Florence caused extensive roof damage to both homes. Emotionally exhausted and desperate for help, they attended a resource fair and learned about WARM.
Diane wrote on her application that she needed WARM “so I don’t have to go live in a homeless shelter. God Bless You.” Both women qualified and were among the first Hurricane Florence rebuilds WARM completed.
Something else remarkable happened! When our assessment team visited their homes, we discovered their pre-storm needs. Diane needed flooring repairs and a ramp so she can safely navigate her home with her walker. Phyllis’ home was still not finished from the house fire.
You see, Hurricane Florence led us to Diane and Phyllis, but they needed our help long before her winds blew onto shore. Believe it or not, Hurricane Florence was a source of grace and hope for two women who may not have asked for help otherwise.
Hundreds of other qualified homeowners wait for assistance from WARM and our nonprofit and church partners. In a recent partner survey, these were the top 10 unmet needs (in no particular order):
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