ROCKPORT-FULTION – The Coastal Bend Disaster Recovery Group (CBDRG) has gifted a Fulton family with a new home. The nonprofit handed over the keys to a trailer home today to Jannet Bardwell and her two grandchildren.
Bardwell’s home was destroyed by Hurricane Harvey and ever since have lived with her daughter in Arkansas while she sought help to get her old home repaired or get a new one. She was given some money from FEMA, but she said the amount covered demolition costs and other disaster related expenses only. She didn’t have enough funds to replace her home.
The Disaster Recovery Group heard of her circumstances and started working to help her and her grandchildren move back to Fulton in a home of their own. And they did just that. The family received a brand new manufactured home that includes plumbing and electrical hook-ups provided by the nonprofit and its partners.
Christian Public Services built stairs, the River Conference of the Free Methodist Church USA funded the skirting on the home and the UM ARMY Homefront Camp assisted with site clean-up and furniture. The family’s new fridge and pantries were stocked with food and cleaning supplies from the Coastal Bend Food Bank.
“We are so happy to be able to return back home in Texas for good,” expressed Bardwell. “Traveling back and forth between Rockport and Arkansas was exhausting. I’m glad we won’t have to do that anymore,” said Bardwell.
According to the a press release from the Coastal Bend Disaster Recovery Group, many Aransas County residents still need additional support and resources even with assistance from FEMA.
“Our priority is ensuring that Hurricane Harvey survivors are able to access the resources and assistance they need through case management, advocacy and volunteer labor and donation coordination,” said Warren Phipps, executive director of CBDRG, “Seeing this project come together and having the opportunity to work with so many gracious donors and hardworking volunteers devoted to this noble cause is truly rewarding.”
Currently, 30 construction projects have been completed with an additional 72 on-going construction projects across the six counties. CBDRG has funded 70 of these projects.
