Faith
Light in the Darkness BY BRIANNA STEPHENS
A
fter the challenges brought on by 2020, the world hoped for positive changes in 2021. But for the people of Appalachia, devastation and hardships only continued in February when a damaging ice storm and historic flooding slammed into Eastern Kentucky. “The ice storm and flooding happened within a week, and, with it also being right here in our service area, it happened to our neighbors, friends, and family,” said Robyn Renner, director of Christian Appalachian Project’s (CAP) Disaster Relief Program and a Housing Program manager. Disaster Relief partnered with Rockcastle County Schools to open a warming shelter during the ice
storm, which served 30 people. Then immediately following the flood, CAP completed 160 home assessments, and more than 100 employees, volunteers, AmeriCorps members, and community members clocked over 3,900 hours to help remove mud and flood waters from inside homes. As the need for flooding assistance grew, and thanks to the generosity of donors, CAP’s leadership team was able to direct $400,000 to help purchase building materials for families in devastated homes. CAP is partnering with and providing materials to local churches, contractors, and families who are able to do the work needed to provide critical home repairs as soon as possible. Otherwise, families and individuals would have to remain displaced from their homes or live
In June, Wanda Ridener (right) assisted Paulina Jackson (left) who attended a distribution hosted by CAP to help flood victims in ongoing recovery efforts. Families were offered clothes, cleaning supplies, furniture, and household items.
12 The Mountain SPIRIT
in unsafe conditions. With the help of the funding and partnerships, CAP had completed 36 home projects by July with 15 more homes still on the waiting list. Renner said she believed more families would reach out to CAP for assistance as they struggle to find help repairing their homes. Paulina Jackson said God answered her prayer for help with CAP. In February, Jackson and her four children escaped from the rising flood waters in their home by canoe. After the water receded, her home was filled with mud, the walls were waterlogged, and a sour smell assaulted her senses when she walked through the door. Her warm and welcoming home of 15 years was unrecognizable as it stood wet, cold, and desolate.
