Community Helps Victims of East Ocean View Flood
I know there is no good time for a flood, but this was perhaps one of the worst times and places for an act of nature like this to happen. Seeing news videos of rising water doesn’t come close to showing the impact on those affected by the three-foot high floodwaters. The Pleasant Avenue area of East Ocean View was one of the hardest hit.
Life became tougher for a whole lot of people.
Some families went to shelters, some to motels, and others moved in with friends or family. Others stayed home and slept on the floor without mattresses, food or hot showers. Many cars were ruined. In the weeks following the storm, residents endured:- A week or more without electricity.
- Missing days of work to retrieve and discard ruined clothing, furniture, appliances, and bedding before items could smell and mold.
- Waiting for insurance agents to inspect their homes while holding their breath to see how much damage would be covered.
The community came together to help those in need.
After the flood, the community came together to help.- Bon Secours moved their clothing closet from DePaul Medical Center to East Ocean View. Pam Phillips, Vice President of Mission, explained, “The clothing closet is here to meet the need of our community. At that moment, the need was greatest in the Pleasant Avenue area of East Ocean View and moving it made perfect sense. Jacqueline Johnson, Recreation Supervisor, at the Community Center gave us a room to house the closet until everything is back to normal.”
- Bon Secours worked with the New Life Christian Center to feed the hungry. Joyce Huskey, Senior Health and Wellness Coordinator at DePaul, said, “We served over 500 people, put up a tent and distributed drinks, hot soup and pizza, donated by Mona Lisa Pizza.”
- Joanne Merinar, Senior Health and Wellness Coordinator for Maryview Medical Center, says, “Seeing a news report, Wave Church contacted us to help. Not only did they provide food and clothing, but also are considering how they can help on an ongoing basis. “It is so encouraging to know we have organizations that don’t wait to be called on to assist those in need.”
- CBN’s Operation Blessing, which provides worldwide disaster relief, was also there. “We do so much work across the country. It really makes us feel good to be able to help folks right here in our own back yard,” said Jody Herrington of Operation Blessing. “We’re not only helping with the immediate need, but are working to provide long-term improvements.”
- The community center and the New Life Christian Center hosted Thanksgiving dinners, and some of the turkeys were donated by the local Sandfiddler Cafe.
Mary Immaculate Hospital, the American Red Cross, East Ocean View Baptist Church, Maryview Medical Center, East Beach residents and others also assisted. I want to thank everyone who gave food, clothing, their time, or other resources. I’m convinced there is no more beautiful thing in this entire world than to see a person taking the time to help another.
I cannot tell you how much it means when a single person raises a hand to help. It makes a tremendous burden so much lighter for everyone. Thank you all for the love you have shown to one another.
~ Steve Zollos