Long-term Disaster Recovery
In October of 2016, Hurricane Matthew hit the Eastern US Coast, bringing torrential rain and devastating flooding. Rivers rose to historical levels, forcing families to evacuate their homes. Even after the flood waters receded, many families were unable to return home due to the extensive water damage and destruction.
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Photos courtesy of CNN.com
One of those homes belonged to the Coleman family, who were forced out of their home for almost two years after Hurricane Matthew.
Torrential rain and flooding left the Coleman's home inhabitable, due to major health and safety concerns.
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Through the Disaster Recovery Act of 2016, the General Assembly authorized funding to the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency. Funds were distributed among organizations who assist with the rehabilitation of owner-occupied homes in disaster affected counties.
While the state funds covered most of the individual job costs, local partners such as Duke Energy and United Way of the Cape Fear Area provided critical support for case working, engineering and permit fees, and other costs required to get people back in their homes.
WARM volunteers, including groups like the Wilmington Fire Department, carried out essential repairs to the Coleman's home. After almost 2 years of being displaced from their home, the Coleman family was able to move back in!
WARM is committed to long-term recovery and rebuilding after disasters like Hurricane Matthew, and most recently Hurricane Florence.
The knowledge and experience gained following Hurricane Matthew will allow WARM to operate efficiently and ethically throughout the Hurricane Florence recovery process.
With continued support from our partners and the community, WARM is committed and ready to be there for our neighbors in need.