One of the joys and challenges that comes with meeting homeowners on a response is hearing the stories they have to tell. I have heard so many difficult stories of people who were told that they were not in a flood zone and did not need insurance, and people who had lived their 40 years without experiencing a flood.

At one of the first homes I visited, after thanking us for helping, the homeowner informed us she was probably going to have to sell her home because she wouldn’t be able to afford fixing it up. It’s hard to know how to respond when someone whose life has already been seriously disrupted is faced with the reality that they may lose their home permanently.

On the other hand, people are filled with joy at the help we are able to provide gutting and drying their homes. After completing one home, the owner shared, “You guys were the best help. When the flood happened, my house was a mess and I wasn’t sure how I was going to make it through. Now my floor and walls are dry again and I can finally see past this to the other side. I thank God for sending your team here. He knew you were exactly what I needed to give me hope again.”