Gulf Pine Catholic

Gulf Pine Catholic • March 6, 2020 19 Catholic Charities of South Mississippi comes to the aid of Wayne County flood victims BY NANCY LOFTUS, LSW Catholic Charities of South Mississippi Generally, when we think of disaster, we recall the “big ones” -- the horrendous CA fires, the unanticipated floods of Hurricane Harvey in TX, the devastation of Hurricane Michael in the FL Panhandle. Events of this magnitude result in federal declarations, allowing FEMA to assist with financial aid to affected residents, and the media provides ongoing coverage. However, the over- whelming number of disasters are undeclared; they do not meet the threshold required to qualify for federal assis- tance. Community members, who were already strug- gling, have an added layer of difficulty. Typically, there is no media coverage; unless we are, or someone we know is affected, often, we’re not aware of the event. Such was the case December 28, 2018, in Wayne County, one of 17 counties in the service area of Catholic Charities of South Mississippi, an affiliate of Catholic Charities USA. Per our process, as soon as the Mississippi Emergency Management and Wayne County Emergency Management agencies advised us the area was safe, our Disaster Response and Recovery program began working with emergency management and the American Red Cross to assess and assist affected community members. These organizations are our valued partners; we all consistently respond to and provide direct assistance after undeclared disasters such as home fires, straight-line winds, torna- does, and floods, as well as declared disasters. The area was deluged with unanticipated, extremely heavy rainfall for hours. Homes outside of flood zones were inundated with several feet of water. AngieAtchison, EMA director for the 829 square miles of Wayne County, and her staff of four, are always in ready mode. They had been monitoring local roads, creeks, and rivers all day. Around midnight, they realized conditions were deterio- rating as the water continued to rise and as citizens called the EMA office. Water rescues were initiated at approxi- mately 3 a.m. Areas that had never flooded were inacces- sible for several days. After ensuring that affected folks had safe shelter, Angie and her staff began the task of damage assessments to help the community prepare for the recovery and rebuilding phases of disaster and she contacted Catholic Charities. Working together after the 2013 and 2017 torna- does, Angie said she appreciates our experience. We meet her, and the community’s, expectations as we fulfill our commitment to professional case management and possi- ble assistance with safe, affordable housing for disaster- impacted residents who are uninsured or under insured. Angie grew up in Wayne County; her personal concern for her community’s recovery was evident as we worked together to re-house renters and assist homeowners with repairs. One family Angie introduced us to was Girtha and Johnnie Roscoe, who have lived in their home for 50 years. As they have experienced minor flooding in the past, they mitigated their property by building a berm around it and purchased what flood insurance coverage they could afford. As the rain began, they took a quick trip to the store; upon their return, they realized this was unlike any previous storm. Johnnie’s employment with a munici- pal electric company provided plenty of post-disaster work; he realized the danger of remaining in their home as the water rose to three feet inside their home. He and Girtha made their way to a neighbor’s home. It took sev- eral days for the water to recede so they could safely return to their home and view the damage. They began the arduous task of clearing damaged materials and disposing of ruined furniture and other belongings. Girtha and Johnnie expressed they felt overwhelmed at the prospect of starting all over again. They were frustrated and depressed as it seemed there was no help for them. Their options were to piece their home together as best they could or to try and borrow money to properly repair their home. They even contemplated selling their home. Angie referred them to Catholic Charities. Utilizing their National Flood Insurance Program proceeds, the Roscoes were able to pay a contractor to repair their home. Catholic Charities coordinated with Wayne County EMA to pur- chase building materials with a grant from MEMA; we also purchased some replacement furniture. Throughout the recovery process, the Roscoes’ resiliency was evident, they maintained a sense of humor and worked with us, doing everything possible to return to their home. While the Roscoes were wading out of their home on the east side of Wayne County, on the west side, Jessie and Mary Ellen Snowden were watching the local weather report. Though Jessie has lived in the area for 63 years and had never flooded, as he opened the front door to look outside water rushed into their home. Mary Ellen called 911; she and Jessie and their grandson, Aaiden, were res- cued by Emergency Services. They both recalled being in shock and could not believe what had happened; they were especially concerned for Aaiden’s safety. When they returned home, there was about a foot of water inside. As they did not have any other housing options, they cleaned as best they could and stayed in their home. The American Red Cross suggested that they call Catholic Charities. Through the MEMA grant, and with Wayne County EMA Director Angie Atchison coordinating the process, Catholic Charities purchased a mobile home for the fam- ily. The Snowdens’ church family, Aaiden’s school, and Catholic Charities replaced destroyed furniture and other household necessities. The Snowdens said they are relieved to be in a safe and secure home; Aaiden is thrilled to have his own bedroom again. SEE AID WAYNE COUNTY FLOOD VICTIMS, PAGE 23 At left, Wayne County flood victims Girtha and Johnnie Roscoe speak with Nancy Loftus, a social worker Catholic Charities of South Mississippi. At right, flood victims Jessie and Mary Ellen Snowden. Photos/Juliana Skelton