Joan Garnand already felt like she was at the end of her rope when the April 2011 storms came through and damaged her home. Already in poor shape from previous flooding, the house was suddenly uninhabitable.

Joan had lost her job a few months before due to extended illnesses, and she was fighting to get some compensation and applying for disability. In the meantime, she had no income, and suddenly, no place to live.

Afraid that her home would be condemned if she got any of the agencies involved, she decided to make the most of a bedroom that was not leaking and had not yet been breached by the snakes and other varmint that kept creeping into the first floor. It was difficult for her to climb the stairs because of her disability, but once in the bedroom, she had a microwave and a small refrigerator, so she could take care of most of her needs from her desk chair.

As the months passed, black mold seeped further and further into her home, making her feel more and more sick. She had been selling her art to keep herself afloat, but Joan did not think she could stay afloat much longer, especially if she had to go to the hospital. She reached out to Eastwood Church for help.

After visiting her home, the church could see that she required more than a work bee to fix up the house. They came to the Samaritan Center, and the two organizations partnered to provide Joan with a safe and healthy home.

They began the process in November, finding a used mobile home that was in good condition. Joan checked it out and agreed that, with a little remodeling it would suit her needs very well. The Samaritan Center quickly moved forward, securing the home and providing Joan with a dumpster and making sure she had the help she needed to pack her belongings, and get rid of everything that had been damaged. The church took on the responsibility of furnishing and decorating the new home, and they discussed with Joan what she had and what she would need.

In mid-January, Joan moved into an extended stay hotel, and the condemned home was demolished. Time grew long, as rain slowed progress, and springs were discovered to be the root of her original flooding problem. The location of the home was changed and the land re-formed to ensure that she will have no need to fear future flooding. At last, the house was put into place, and the crew began remodeling it to make it accessible. Setback after setback was overcome, and though later than planned, Joan was able to move into her new home on May 16, 2012.

Joan loves her new home, and she is excited to have a fresh start and the opportunity to live in her whole house without fearing for her health.

05/16/12