LAKELAND, Fla. — Just off of East Main Street, George and Diane Flood have seen their fair share of storms over the last 30 years.
“Charley — that’s the only time that we really had it so bad that we had to use the insurance, but the other times it’s been just tree limbs or something like,” Diane said.
That was until Hurricane Milton caused significant damage to their roof and ceiling. Diane says their insurance company denied their claim due to the age of the roof. The couple eventually had to take matters into their own hands — which they said was no easy feat.
“It was the emotion of August happening, and we’re on a fixed income and we only get so much money every month,” Diane said. “Even the roofing companies that we were trying to reach out to, it was like… the cost of it every month, you just can’t add another bill on top what you’re already trying to struggle to pay anyhow.”
Luckily, Diane says they were referred to Rebuilding Together Greater Florida’s (RTGFL) Disaster Readiness and Recovery Program. The new initiative helps repair and fortify homes for low-income, elderly, and disabled residents at no cost to them.
“They replaced the whole roof, but that flat roof was where the main issue was at and so they got that taken care of,” George said, pointing at a portion of their roof.
The Floods’ house is just one of 12 homes included in the pilot project. CEO of RTGFL, Jose Garcia, says his team brought their services to Polk County after local leaders expressed a need.
“Polk County is one of the counties that is experiencing great growth, which means existing housing needs that need to be resolved to make sure it stays affordable for present generations,” Garcia said. “So, we want to make sure the homeowners are safe and can stay at their home, especially in this growth.”
As for Diane and George, they’re grateful to have a stable roof over their heads once again.
“The rainfall sounds a whole lot better when you can sit and enjoy it,” Diane said.
The pilot program is funded by several foundations, corporations, and municipalities. Rebuilding Together hopes to make it a permanent resource for Polk County residents.
Alexis Jones
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