DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — DeKalb County’s only family emergency shelter says it needs help to reopen after severe flood damage from Hurricane Helene in September.
“It was scary actually. There was a deluge of water coming into the shelter, and there was nothing to stop it,” case worker Betty Wood said.
The family shelter called “Hagar’s House” sits in a low-lying area of Decatur.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
A major storm drain nearby clogged during the hurricane, sending torrents of water into the shelter’s first floor.
The roof also suffered wind damage, allowing heavy rain into the building.
“The community room was just full of water, and it just cascaded into the dining room, offices, and resident rooms downstairs,” Decatur Cooperative Ministry Director Marlene White said.
White showed Channel 2′s Tom Regan how the lower walls and floors in many rooms had to be removed because of water damage.
She said the organization’s insurance company has only provided $30,000 for repairs, but she said fixing the shelter will cost around $150,000, which would include replacing the roof.
“Because of this damage, we can’t bring any families in. It wouldn’t be safe,” White said.
She said one family that had been living there had to be relocated following the storm.
Hagar’s House can accommodate up to five families.
So far, they’ve had little help from the government to make repairs.
“We did reach out to the county, and they are in discussion of what they can do,” White said.
The executive director says they are not eligible for state or federal disaster relief funds and are relying on donations to finish repairing Hagar House.
“We know that there is a need for families. We need to repair the damage to move forward and reopen,” White said.
Those who wish to contribute to rebuilding the emergency family shelter can donate here.
TRENDING STORIES:
- Realtor killed after alleged DUI driver runs red light at 100 mph on Buford Highway
- Henry County teacher disappeared after student accused him of trying to have sex with her
- Man punches woman in ‘random act of violence’ outside popular Atlanta attraction
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
©2024 Cox Media Group
