FEEL GOOD: Tornado Stories

As a matter of course, when I present VIND activities to our Board of Directors or to a similar group, I like to share “feel good stories.” It is the exact paycheck people need when doing this type of work! Therefore, as grantors, I would like to share a little about the cases on which we worked during this quarter; all of these are examples from 2006/2007 Tornado cases completed in this quarter.

Case #1: From seeing work being done on a nearby home in a tornado damaged area, a potential client called for information. A couple with four children had purchased a home and closed the deal on February 1, 2007. The next day, as they were pulling into their new neighborhood with vehicles loaded with children and boxes, they were turned away by emergency responders. A tornado had struck in the night and no one was allowed in without ID. (Who would think to change your driver’s license minutes after a closing?) After spending several days in a hotel, the debris had been cleared and public access was allowed. As the family moved in, neighbors told them a tree had fallen on their house, but had been removed. With no visible sign of damage and only mortgage insurance on the home, the family moved in relieved at their good fortune! However, as the roof began leaking and the water stains on the ceiling grew ever wider, the couple sought assistance. Pulling off shingles showed gaping holes in the roof decking and broken roof trusses! The good fortune was that the volunteers were able repair the damage and stop the leaks. The couple is having their home inspected to upgrade their insurance.

Case #2: Another client within blocks of this home came to us via Project H.O.P.E. counselors. The home had been overlooked by many agencies because it did not look like a home. Across the street from a strip mall that had been demolished by the tornado, this particular building was in a commercially zoned area. Having lost a roof, which had been repaired by insurance, no one, not even zoning or code enforcement knew that living quarters were attached to the back of the building. Built in the 1950’s as part of a “mom & pop” auto shop, the widowed owner was afraid of being “kicked out” because of the unusual nature of her dwelling. A family friend, a paralegal, was advocating on her behalf to ensure that the domicile was “grandfathered.” She was the contact person with Project H.O.P.E. and, eventually, VIND.

The problem was that the electric meter, weatherhead, and electrical panel had been damaged. The permitting agency would only authorize a commercial permit and the electric company wanted to charge commercial rates. The 78-year-old woman on a low, fixed income only wanted to turn on a light switch, plug in her fridge, watch a little TV and have running water. Yes, running water. Her well pump operated with electricity even though she was in a commercial area with access to public water and sewer. This client had been living from February 2, 2007 until February 22, 2008 with no electricity or water! No one was more blessed than the VIND staff to know that she was living luxuriously with the simple pleasures of life that we take so for granted!!
Mary-Ann Luther, Program Coordinator