The neighborhood smelled of smoke the night before Monika Joensson brought clothes to the Hamrick family.
She had learned through an email chain for the John Adams Middle School wrestling team that the Hamricks' Loudendale house had caught on fire early Tuesday, and after sending an email to her church group to see if anyone had items to donate, she headed to the house where the family was staying.
"They were obviously very lost and distraught and tired," she said.
Joensson is just one member of the community that forms around victims of disaster. Between the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army and WV Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, every stage of the rebuilding process for victims of fires and floods is aided by volunteer efforts.
Between Dec. 24 and 31, the American Red Cross handled 65 cases of flood and fire damage, the majority of which took place in Kanawha County, according to Erica Mani, the regional director of the Red Cross.
"We're there immediately on the scene to help during recovery time," Mani said.
If there are more than six families put out of a home, the Red Cross will work on opening a shelter nearby. Otherwise it will make sure a family has the money to get a hotel room if their home isn't in livable condition.
The Red Cross is also a member of WV VOAD, which helps disaster victims in the state. Often, the group will help homeowners repair their damaged houses after floods.
"We make sure these homes get back to safe, sanitary and secure," said Jenny Gannaway, state chair of WV VOAD.
After floods, an organization with WV VOAD (like the United Methodists) and community volunteers will replace wet drywall and insulation, tear out damaged carpets and put in new flooring. They'll also connect victims with local places where they can get donated clothing and supplies.
Organizations also help people replenish some of the basic necessities that they lost. The Salvation Army has had two or three families come to them following the Christmas Day flooding.
"That might not seem like a lot," said Vandalyn Justice, a social worker with the Salvation Army, "but sometimes they're not ready to come in right away."
For families who are trying to restock their homes after damage, the Salvation Army will give them vouchers to purchase furniture and other items from their thrift stores.
"Most folks, when you lose everything," Justice said. "To have to replenish furniture and appliances and clothes ... that's costly on a basis even when there isn't a disaster."
And that's where a community can make a big difference.
Jaensson said that her community has stepped up to support the Hamrick family. On top of the clothes she and others donated, the wrestling team is hosting a spaghetti dinner to raise funds for the family. The wrestling coach at John Adams Middle School even stopped by with a brand new pair of wrestling shoes.
For Jaensson, the reason for helping out is easy.
"I don't think we're a community if we don't," she said.
Reach Daniel Desrochers at
dan.desrochers@wvgazettemail.com,
304-348-4886 or follow
@drdesrochers on Twitter.