Recovery Spotlights

This week, HCD and builder Burghli Homes were delighted to help Ms. Mary Nash move into her home, which was newly rebuilt through the Harvey Homeowner Assistance Program. Ms. Nash’s home was leaking and…

During Hurricane Harvey, Jim Edwards had to be evacuated from his home in South Union. “The water came in through [the front] and sat and then [the floor] just went down,” he explained. Waters rose to near-waist level and caused enough damage that Mr. Edwards’ home had to be demolished. The Harvey Homeowner Assistance Program built him a brand-new house, which is open, bright, and most importantly, elevated to keep him safe from future flooding events.

On the day she moved in, Mrs. Gabriel and her family members stood on the elevated porch watching furniture arrive in the middle of another rainstorm. But instead of worrying about the rain, the family was focused on other things: like how to arrange her furniture and who will host Thanksgiving. It was a bright and warm morning despite the rain, thanks to family and friends filling her house with well-wishes.

Mrs. Reynolds, an elementary school teacher, learned about the Build it Forward program from a friend living in Sugar Land. When they found that they could qualify to receive a reimbursement, they were shocked and grateful. “Everyone was so nice, open-armed, and helped us through the whole process, but it did take a while.” The reimbursement will allow the Reynolds to “catch up” from what they spent repairing the infrastructure of their home.