Colfax woman lost her house to fire and storm. A nonprofit helped her buy a FEMA trailer.
COLFAX – Sliska Larry has been living in a FEMA trailer since Hurricane Laura damaged her home along La. 71 just over two years ago. Set up on her property, it was supposed to last until the roof on her house was repaired.
But five days after she moved into the trailer, she said, a utility line caught fire during a storm and burned down her entire house.
On Monday, with the help of a grant from a local nonprofit, she took ownership of the three-bedroom trailer.
“I’m happy to my soul,” Larry, 49, said as she accepted the title from Amber Willis of FEMA. “It changed my life from having nothing to having somewhere of your own to live, and it’s a blessing because there are so many people that don’t have and I’m grateful.”
For months, she has followed all of the FEMA regulations, talked with case managers and undergone regular inspections. Rules prevented her from even hanging pictures on the wall. Now that she owns the trailer, she can decorate as she wishes.
The Central Louisiana Long Term Recovery Group provided the grant that helped her purchase the unit. It's comprised of local nonprofit and community representatives who are helping families whose homes were damaged or destroyed by hurricanes Laura and Delta. Money for the grants comes from The Rapides Foundation Hurricane Disaster Recovery Fund, the Episcopal Church in Western Louisiana, Catholic Charities of Central Louisiana, the Center for Disaster Philanthropy and others.
NOAA hurricane forecast 2022:Up to 21 named storms possible; as many as 10 hurricanes could form
Previous coverage:Remember the days after Hurricane Laura, and prepare now for the next disaster
Larry hosted a party to celebrate her big day, representatives from the group handed her the check to make the purchase.
The FEMA Disaster Case Manager Program offered those living in the campers a chance to buy them and the furnishings at an affordable price, said Jennifer Gilchrist, director of operations for Catholic Charities of Central Louisiana. That made it possible for the group to purchase the trailers and give people like Larry permanent housing. The program is set to phase out in October 2023.
For the past year, the nonprofit has met monthly to hear FEMA Disaster Case Manager Program workers share a client’s story. They tell the group what happened to them during the storms, what aid they received from FEMA or their insurance company and how the money was spent. They also discuss the client’s ongoing needs and repairs that they haven’t been able to make themselves.
Since then, more than $163,000 has been committed to restoring homes damaged by Laura and Delta to safe and livable conditions, Gilchrist said. The group has helped 50 families in Central Louisiana. Over 622 referrals have been made and $327,223 in services provided. The group plans to continue its efforts until April, depending on funding.
On the morning of the big day, Larry's two aunts Brenda Redmond and Deborah Clay were at the camper trying to keep Larry’s mind focused. She worries a lot, they said.
“This child has been through the ringer,” Clay said. “She’s been through a struggle, and it’s been emotional for her. People don’t understand what it is to lose.”
“It’s a struggle," Larry said, "but God provides.”
Applications are still being accepted for the Disaster Case Management Program. To apply, call 1-844-711-9326 or visit dcmpla.com.
This article originally appeared on Alexandria Town Talk: Nonprofit helps Colfax storm victim become a homeowner again
