By Delivrine Registre - bio | email
SYLVESTER, GA (WALB) - It's been exactly one month since 20 inches of water filled Walter Henry's home. "I worked all my life for my family. And now that I am in the retirement stage, I get washed out."
Walter has lived in this house for 35 years. "All of my children were raised here from childhood to the age they are today."
And he and his daughter admit the experience has been tough."We did spray Chlorox water on the wall. That kills the mold, but not on the inside. It does make you sick. With the scent, you couldn't stay here anyway," said Shanda Henry.
As soon as they found out they could be eligible for federal money they called FEMA. "The process took about 30 minutes. So the process was pretty fast, and they were pretty nice," said Shanda.
And three days later an agent inspected their home. "They went through every room. And we are going to have to cut about four feet of the wall, and we still can't live here yet."
City leaders know at least 52 homes and businesses in Sylvester sustained damage. Nine structures were affected in the county. And FEMA, city and county officials want to make sure that all flood victims know they need to apply for federal help.
"It's emotionally tiresome. It is tiresome cleaning it out. If we could get something done, we would be fine," said Shanda Henry.
"We try to do what we can. We are not asking for much, just a place to stay," said Walter Henry. And they both hope they receive federal funding to help make this house their home once again.
A Disaster Relief Center has not been opened up in Worth County yet, but residents can still apply for federal help by calling 1-800-621-FEMA. You can also click here to apply online. FEMA inspectors will have identification with them if they show up to inspect your home.
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