Rising from the Waters: A Journey to Recovery

Rising from the Waters: A Journey to Recovery

In July 2022, residents of Southeastern Kentucky faced a devastating natural disaster when a flash flood warning was issued, affecting multiple counties across the region. Over just five days, an unprecedented 16 inches of rainfall fell, resulting in the rapid accumulation of water due to the region's steep topography. The flash floods wreaked havoc, leading to the destruction of homes and entire communities that were swept away in raging floodwaters. The storm severely damaged critical infrastructure, rendering roads impassable and complicating rescue and recovery efforts. Tragically, the storm claimed the lives of 45 individuals.

In response to the devastation, the United States Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) took immediate action by launching a pilot program under the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program. This initiative was crucial for communities in need, seeking to restore stability after the disaster.

Toby Dawhare recalls the terrifying moments as the disaster unfolded. "I woke up at 2 a.m. to the sound of timber crashing and the hill beside my house sliding into the creek, which pushed water into the foundation of my house, causing it to collapse," he recounted. His account reflects the chaos and horror experienced by countless others that night as the water continued to rise.

"The Home Buyout program was designed to help individuals like Toby and his wife, who live in floodplains and experienced catastrophic damage to their homes," explained Jimmy Lyons, the NRCS point of contact for the program. "This program specifically targets those who have lost their homes due to flooding, offering a pathway to safety and recovery."

Under this program, NRCS purchases the homes of affected individuals, demolishes the structures, and subsequently establishes a permanent easement on the property. Ensuring that no new homes or families can be placed in harm's way. The vision is to safeguard residents and prevent similar tragedies from occurring again.

Toby Dawhare shared his profound relief: "Going through this program makes me feel like I have my life back. For the last three years, I have been jumping from rental to rental, none of which had accommodation for those in a wheelchair. I have had to brush my teeth every night using a bowl of water." His experience highlights the struggles faced by those displaced from their homes, underscoring the importance of the program in providing a stable living situation.

As of the recent update, the Home Buyout program has received nearly 600 applications, showcasing the high demand and urgent need for assistance within the affected communities. NRCS has successfully purchased 110 homes, amounting to almost 15 million dollars allocated toward revitalizing lives shattered by the floods. Participants in the program have been able to relocate to safer areas. At the same time, county officials are actively developing additional housing communities outside of floodplains to enhance community resilience.

Reflecting on his journey, Mr. Dawhare expressed hope for the future: "I believe this program should be available during future disasters because my home was unsafe to live in, and I needed a place to accommodate my needs." He is now excited about the next chapter in his life, adding, "With the money from the Home Buyout program purchasing my damaged home, I was able to purchase a new home that has accommodation for me; after almost 3 years, I can cook myself dinner again." This statement not only highlights personal recovery but also emphasizes the program's significant role in improving safety, well-being, and normalcy for those impacted by natural disasters.

Furthermore, by purchasing his new home, Mr. Dawhare helps support local businesses like construction services, furniture stores, and shops within the area. This creates jobs and strengthens the community, showing how disaster recovery programs can have positive economic impacts.