When a tornado tore through her neighborhood, Debra and her granddaughter suddenly found themselves without a safe place to stay. “Jennifer, my house is a wreck,” Debra said. “A big tree came through my house, and the back of the house is lying in my front yard.”
Unsure where to turn, Debra reached out to WILS, where Independent Living (IL) Case Manager Jennifer already had a visit scheduled that morning. “Just breathe—I’ll talk with my supervisor and see what we can do,” Jennifer told her calmly.
Within hours, WILS helped arrange emergency assistance for food and temporary shelter. WILS staff met Debra at her damaged home, helped her gather essentials, and got her and her granddaughter safely to a hotel. While they were settling in, Debra received word that her insurance would cover three nights of lodging.
WILS staff made sure the family had groceries and checked in each day to offer support and reassurance. Soon, WILS helped Debra secure temporary housing in a senior apartment complex. “I feel safe and very thankful,” she said.
The Salvation Army stepped in to pay the deposit and first month’s rent, and her insurance will cover the next month if needed.
Through resilience, community support, and the combined efforts of WILS, the Salvation Army, and her insurance provider, Debra and her granddaughter are safe, supported, and ready to rebuild.