In spring 2018, the American Red Cross awarded the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church (NC Conference) a $13,900 grant to provide funding for rebuilding homes in Robeson County affected by Hurricane Matthew.
During the grant period, April 1 – June 30, funds were to be disbursed among several homes, with the recommendation that monies be used to repair homes where inhabitants are elderly, disabled, or include young children.
In all, 7 homes underwent repairs as a result of the generosity of the Red Cross. One of these families has been living in their damaged home – unable to live anywhere else – since Hurricane Matthew hit in October 2016. All three of the adult inhabitants live with challenges – one is wheelchair bound, another has cerebral palsy, and the third is also handicapped. Although repairs are ongoing, huge progress has been made, affording the inhabitants greater comfort and safety. With Red Cross funding, teams repaired or replaced most of the damaged electrical system, installed new insulation and flooring, and painted throughout. Repair needs of the other six homes were similar: roofing, flooring, drywall, electrical, and paint.
Mary Hartsell, NC Conference case manager for the Lumberton Disaster Recovery Center, expresses her gratitude: “We are so appreciative of the funds granted to us through the Red Cross. These funds have been instrumental in facilitating the recovery of many clients and helping us work toward the complete restoration of each home, providing a safe and healthy environment for each family.”