December 20, 2018 | Rockport Pilot
Dianne Scroggins and her daughter, Deborah Luman, were the recipients of a new manufactured two bed, two bath, home thanks to the Rebuild Texas Fund and the Coastal Bend Disaster Recovery Group (CBDRG). A special ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to welcome the family into the new home Friday, Dec. 14.
Scroggins returned to Fulton a few days after Hurricane Harvey made landfall to find her old house in uninhabitable conditions and the property heavily flooded. Her determination to return to normalcy led her to carry more than 150 gallons of water off her property. Now more than a year later, Scroggins and Luman are thrilled at the thought of spending the holidays in the new home. The home came fully furnished with furniture from generous local donors, Chuck Lucas and LeaRae Keys.
“I am so thankful to everyone who helped out with the house. There are just no words to describe how I am feeling,” said Scroggins. “This [home] is like getting my Christmas, New Year’s, Anniversary, and Birthday gift all rolled into one!”
To make the home a reality, CBDRG partnered with the Mennonite Disaster Services, who built the porch. The Coastal Bend Food Bank made sure the kitchen was stocked with perishable and non-perishable food items. Other partner organizations responsible for the home deliveries included Rockport-Fulton Chamber Foundation, who helped fund the installation.
“We couldn’t do everything we do for these families who have amazing stories of perseverance without the help of all of our recovery partners and volunteers,” said Executive Director of CBDRG Warren Phipps.
CBDRG, in partnership with several other non-profits, have completed 61 major home reconstruction projects this year with another 104 projects still on going. All of this is possible thanks to generous donations from foundations like the Rebuild Texas Fund and the help of volunteers.
CBDRG continues to seek volunteers who range from skilled carpenters to individuals with no special skill other than a desire to help. To learn more about the CBDRG and to fill open volunteer positions, the public is encouraged to visit www.coastalbenddrg.org/volunteer.