It’s been one week since storms from Tropical Storm Arthur affected multiple parishes.
Still, folks are now trying to get their lives back on track after tornadoes caused devastation in multiple areas.
Families tell us demolition crews have been called to tear down their mobile home.
Avondale resident Rolanna Hills was emotional, as her home, which she says her father built, is now demolished.
“It’s bittersweet, it’s emotional, very traumatic, we had to put everything in one of those dumpsters. Refrigerators, sentimental pictures, all of that,” Hills said.
Hills was pinned inside the mobile home when the tornado picked up another and slammed into hers.
It left a trail of destruction behind, debris everywhere; you can even see the frame of the trailer mangled in the field.
“I thank God for just one more day that he’s given me, because if you look at what you see now, there’s no way I should have survived that storm, that tornado. But by the grace of God, I’m here. I will make memories again,” Hills said.
While Hills survived last Thursday’s storm, another brews, her path toward recovery.
“I don’t yet, but I will figure it out,” Hills said.
“In Avondale last week, we were working with about a dozen families, now some of them have restored power. We’ve gotten roofs tarped, so now we’re down to five families in Avondale,” said Sarah Babcock, with Jefferson Parish.
J.P. officials say teams have been on the ground in Avondale since the tornado hit, assessing what resources are needed. Those include a backhoe to tear down a home and get an electrician to restore power.
“We have been assisting families with some temporary housing solutions, replacing medications that people have lost and then working with our nonprofit partners, we’ve worked with United Way, Red Cross, Salvation Army, a number of groups who’ve been able to donate gift cards,” Babcock said.
If you would like to donate click here.
READ MORE:Avondale families recovering one week after tornado
