Rebuilding Hope

On Wednesday, September 9th, Hope Haven suffered a devastating flood that spread into 52 rooms and 2 hallways. Even more unfortunate was the water was not rain water but “black water” from an overflowing storm drain on adjacent property. This water contained bacteria and carried unknown materials into the living spaces of many residents and staff, as well as offices of several counselors, resulting in the closure of a number of rooms.

Of course, our first priority was to be certain that our residents were safe and could be accommodated on our premises. We were able to accomplish this that evening except for providing on-site living quarters for some staff who live on campus and were placed elsewhere.

First Restoration came out that evening to spray for mold & bacteria, begin extracting the water, and start the still ongoing process of drying out the walls. Thanks to their immediate help, we were saved thousands of dollars in additional damages.

We now have had a chance to begin accounting of the damages. Unfortunately, our insurance company limited us to $25,000 in flood damage coverage—that sum was spent the first week in water removal. The total bill for the services provided by First Restoration totaled $89,000. Understanding our insurance dilemma, they have generously donated the $64,000 balance. We are extremely grateful to First Restoration for their hard work and dedication to community. They have truly been the calm after the storm. www.firstrestoration.com

The list below delineates our immediate needs:

• Drywall
• Drywall installation to replace the 18” – 20” that has been removed from many of the interior walls
• Cove base molding for the rooms (colors will vary)
• Plastic Chairs
• Commercial carpet for 50 rooms – 12 x 21
• Carpet cleaning
• 50 new twin-size mattresses
• New bedding & linens
• Roofing repairs to the main building (including flashing needed around windows)
• Paint for interior walls
• Painting services
• Floor tile for Community Rooms
• Door mats for rooms
• Sturdy Wardrobes for resident rooms
• Window treatments for resident rooms
• Community room makeovers

In addition to the immediate needs required for upkeep of a 50 year old building which was last renovated 11 years ago, we must also raise a lot of money to continue providing quality services to those most in need!

I am asking for your help in raising the capital funds needed to repair, replace, and renovate our facility so that we may again admit the adults & children who need our help so desperately into the rooms devastated by the flood.

If you are unable to donate funds, but are interested in providing in-kind items or volunteer to complete repair projects please email Tiffany Hilson at thilson@hopehaveninc.org or call 704-372-8809 ext. 294.

Thank you in advance for your help in “Bringing Hope to Life”!

Alice Harrison
President/CEO

Charlotte Observer, The (NC)
2008-09-13
Section: LOCAL
Edition: STATE
Page: 2B

RAIN-DAMAGED HOPE HAVEN PLEADS FOR HELP
FLOODING SOAKED THE STATE'S ONLY RESIDENTIAL DRUG-TREATMENT CENTER FOR THE HOMELESS.
Fred Clasen-Kelly frkelly@charlotteobserver.com

The state's lone residential drug-treatment center for the homeless asked for donations on Friday, two days after heavy rains flooded its northern Charlotte building.

Hope Haven, which houses recovering drug addicts and alcoholics, evacuated at least 20 residents earlier this week, President and CEO Alice Harrison said at a press conference. About 150 homeless individuals and families live in the former motel about three miles north of uptown on North Tryon Street. They receive counseling and job training and attend support group meetings there.

Rain damaged 52 rooms, soaking carpets, beds, computer equipment and personal belongings. Officials scrambled to find places for residents to stay.
On Friday, residents in treatment were doubled up in rooms with other clients living on the second floor of the two-story building, Harrison said. A storm drain problem at a neighboring property pushed rain water into the first-floor rooms, Harrison said. A resident said the water was three inches deep in some rooms. "I was sitting in my office and suddenly my ankles were covered with water," said Tiffany Hilson, director of development.

Officials said an insurance policy will cover part of the recovery cost, but Harrison said "tens of thousands of dollars" will be needed for beds, dressers, carpets and other needs. Computer problems were so extensive that workers were forced to complete payroll by hand, she said.

Resident Dudley Lovett expressed concerned for the facility's future as he pleaded for the public's help. Lovett, a recovering alcoholic, said he has lived there for six months. "If we lose this place, there's no place we can go," he said.

Want to help? Call Tiffany Hilson at 704-372-8809 ext. 294.

1. Hope Haven, a residential drug-treatment center for the homeless, is asking for help after the facility was flooded during recent rains.