Normally September is when we are all excited about football, cooler weather. But for thousands of people, it has come at a price. As I write, we face another developing storm system with Maria tracking the same path as Irma. I am overwhelmed and find myself numb because it is so big and the devastation so great.
The first time I stayed in the shack, Tropical Storm Faye came through. Rain pelted my thin roof, wind howled rattling the plastic over my windows, and water began seeping through my floor being absorbed by my mattress. That was 10 years ago. In 2012, it was Hurricane Sandy that was pushing through. ARM works with families who face storms. When we record the family stories we will hear how a tornado, severe thunderstorm, or results of a hurricane created enough damage that repairs were needed. Because the event was so small in volume, they did not qualify for assistance. Time became the enemy and the damage increased.
If we are going to end substandard housing, we need to consider all the ways homes can become damaged and the vulnerability of the families staying in them. Storms, age of the home, deferred maintenance, and even bugs can create and perpetuate conditions making a house substandard. Our elderly and those with major disabilities have severely limited resources making the hiring of a contractor or handyman nearly impossible. Can we pay attention and make this a priority in every church and every faith community?
Due to the storms, I have been on active duty since September 5th and will remain as long as September 30th. Listening to the stories every day of the first responders and tracking the response and recovery efforts put a new emphasis on our ministry. Although not in the path of these storms, there were people in Alabama affected. Heavy rain, wind, tree limbs, and more put pressure on vulnerable structures. Later this week, I will share with you Ms. Samford’s story and the storms she has faced.
Looking forward to going in the shack three weeks from Wednesday!
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