Post by hanselenagraves on Dec 4, 2015 15:36:55 GMT -5
As you are all aware, many areas in South Carolina was devastated by historic flooding last month. Several of our apartment communities within the Affordable and Conventional business units were significantly impacted. Genesis II, a HUD subsidized community for seniors located in Mullins, South Carolina, sustained severe damage but more importantly our residents lost all or nearly all of their personal possessions and none had renters insurance. Mullins is a rural area where unemployment rates are some of the highest in South Carolina and Genesis II serves the neediest in that community.
Genesis II contains 15 apartment units and is home to eight elderly women and seven elderly men. All 15 apartments experienced significant flooding up to 18 inches or higher resulting in most or all personal belongings to be lost. Two of our residents had to be evacuated from their apartments by boat due to the flash flooding.
Once the residents were safely able to re-enter their homes to recover any personal belongings, it was determined that all of their couches, chairs, bedframes, clothing, dressers etc. were covered with mold and mildew so could not be salvaged. Any electronic devices plugged into any outlets were also affected by the flooding. Water even found its way into refrigerators causing all food to be lost.
Currently, none of the apartments are habitable. We recently finished removing all of the unsafe materials from the units such as sheetrock, stoves, refrigerators, kitchen and bath cabinets, flooring, interior doors/frames and baseboards. We quickly sought help in the Mullins community for our residents and referred them to FEMA for financial assistance. We were shocked to learn that only parts of Marion County were declared natural disaster areas and unfortunately Mullins was not one of those areas. Ultimately, none of our low income elderly residents have been able to receive FEMA assistance. Some of our residents have received assistance from the Red Cross, such as temporary shelter but there have not been any relief for new furniture and the many personal belongings lost.
The emotional stress that this catastrophic event has caused our residents is impossible to calculate. Genesis II is a small tight knit community where everyone knows their neighbors. The embodiment of the word “community” has been witnessed every day. The reality of the situation for all of our residents has started to sink in this week as the demolition is nearing completion.
For those not familiar with Affordable housing, residents in subsidized affordable apartment communities are below 30% of the area median income. These are people that literally have very little or no means available to them so purchasing a sofa is not an option. This circumstances could not be any more dire and I hope we can all agree that we as a society and individuals we have the opportunity to provide the basic needs for our senior citizens.
We have been working with our owner of Genesis II over the past month to identify the needs of the property and develop solutions. Unfortunately, Genesis II is owned by a faith based nonprofit that has limited resources. We have worked with our client to come up with a solution described below that will assist our residents.
In partnership with Saint Paul Baptist Church in Mullins and the owner of Genesis II, we are soliciting donations from anyone and everyone to help these deserving 15 individuals that are in desperate need of assistance. 100% of the funds received will go towards the purchase of furniture and/or furnishings for the residents of Genesis II.
If you are interested in making a donation, please mail a check to:
Saint Paul Baptist Church
Post Office Box 533
Mullins, SC 29574
In addition to making check payable to Saint Paul Baptist Church, you must put Genesis II in the notes field so it can be properly applied to the fund established for Genesis II.
I know that together that we can have an immediate impact in the lives of these seniors that are truly desperate. Finally, upon written request, the church can provide a statement regarding your donation for tax purposes. Should you have any questions for Saint Paul, you may contact them directly at (843) 464-2163.
If your church, organization, business or family would prefer to adopt a senior and furnish their apartment/provide for the current needs, please contact me Hanselena “Lena” Graves.
Hanselena “Lena” Graves, PSC
Resident Service Coordinator | Lakeside Apartments
NHE | Property Management | Development | Service Coordination
Physical | 401 Harbison Blvd. | Columbia, SC 29212
Mailing | 401 Harbison Blvd.| Columbia, SC 29212
Direct 803-781-2820 | Fax 803-781-2820
lakesidesc@nhe-inc.com | nhe-inc.com
Improving homes and lives every day.
Genesis II contains 15 apartment units and is home to eight elderly women and seven elderly men. All 15 apartments experienced significant flooding up to 18 inches or higher resulting in most or all personal belongings to be lost. Two of our residents had to be evacuated from their apartments by boat due to the flash flooding.
Once the residents were safely able to re-enter their homes to recover any personal belongings, it was determined that all of their couches, chairs, bedframes, clothing, dressers etc. were covered with mold and mildew so could not be salvaged. Any electronic devices plugged into any outlets were also affected by the flooding. Water even found its way into refrigerators causing all food to be lost.
Currently, none of the apartments are habitable. We recently finished removing all of the unsafe materials from the units such as sheetrock, stoves, refrigerators, kitchen and bath cabinets, flooring, interior doors/frames and baseboards. We quickly sought help in the Mullins community for our residents and referred them to FEMA for financial assistance. We were shocked to learn that only parts of Marion County were declared natural disaster areas and unfortunately Mullins was not one of those areas. Ultimately, none of our low income elderly residents have been able to receive FEMA assistance. Some of our residents have received assistance from the Red Cross, such as temporary shelter but there have not been any relief for new furniture and the many personal belongings lost.
The emotional stress that this catastrophic event has caused our residents is impossible to calculate. Genesis II is a small tight knit community where everyone knows their neighbors. The embodiment of the word “community” has been witnessed every day. The reality of the situation for all of our residents has started to sink in this week as the demolition is nearing completion.
For those not familiar with Affordable housing, residents in subsidized affordable apartment communities are below 30% of the area median income. These are people that literally have very little or no means available to them so purchasing a sofa is not an option. This circumstances could not be any more dire and I hope we can all agree that we as a society and individuals we have the opportunity to provide the basic needs for our senior citizens.
We have been working with our owner of Genesis II over the past month to identify the needs of the property and develop solutions. Unfortunately, Genesis II is owned by a faith based nonprofit that has limited resources. We have worked with our client to come up with a solution described below that will assist our residents.
In partnership with Saint Paul Baptist Church in Mullins and the owner of Genesis II, we are soliciting donations from anyone and everyone to help these deserving 15 individuals that are in desperate need of assistance. 100% of the funds received will go towards the purchase of furniture and/or furnishings for the residents of Genesis II.
If you are interested in making a donation, please mail a check to:
Saint Paul Baptist Church
Post Office Box 533
Mullins, SC 29574
In addition to making check payable to Saint Paul Baptist Church, you must put Genesis II in the notes field so it can be properly applied to the fund established for Genesis II.
I know that together that we can have an immediate impact in the lives of these seniors that are truly desperate. Finally, upon written request, the church can provide a statement regarding your donation for tax purposes. Should you have any questions for Saint Paul, you may contact them directly at (843) 464-2163.
If your church, organization, business or family would prefer to adopt a senior and furnish their apartment/provide for the current needs, please contact me Hanselena “Lena” Graves.
Hanselena “Lena” Graves, PSC
Resident Service Coordinator | Lakeside Apartments
NHE | Property Management | Development | Service Coordination
Physical | 401 Harbison Blvd. | Columbia, SC 29212
Mailing | 401 Harbison Blvd.| Columbia, SC 29212
Direct 803-781-2820 | Fax 803-781-2820
lakesidesc@nhe-inc.com | nhe-inc.com
Improving homes and lives every day.