Aug 17, 2008 6:24 pm US/Central
1 Year Later: Rushford Still Rebuilding After Flood
RUSHFORD, Minn. (WCCO) ―
It's been almost one year since floodwaters devastated Southeastern Minnesota. The floods left hundreds homeless and killed seven people.
One of the hardest hit areas was Rushford in Fillmore County. More than 80 homes were destroyed there and hundreds damaged.
In August 2007, more rain fell in Southeastern Minnesota in two days than ever before, quickly flooding Rushford and surrounding areas.
"There no water, no sewer, no restaurants, no gas stations, no banks. When everything you take for granted is gone, it' s a humbling experience but to watch people pull together is really something too," said Rushford resident Steve Redalen, who is also the volunteer coordinator for Lutheran Disaster Response.
Once the floodwaters receded, the hard work began. About 300 homes had major damage or needed to be rebuilt completely. Eighty percent of all businesses suffered damage as well.
FEMA, state funds and charitable donations made rebuilding much of the town possible. But even a year later, there are homes that still need to be torn down and rebuilt, and some houses left as is. Not everyone could afford to keep pay their mortgage and rebuild.
The Hanson's home is almost finished. The damage was so extensive they had to start over from the foundation up. The Hanson's are one of 17 families still living in FEMA trailers.
"It's been a lot of struggles, it's pretty tight in here and we just want to get back to our house, but it's nice to see that Rushford has come back," said flood victim Sara Hanson.
Lutheran Disaster Response, a division of Lutheran Social Service, has been coordinating the rebuilding. Thanks to more than 8,000 volunteers working more than 62,000 hours, homeowners have had free labor to help their loan and grant dollars stretch, and keep them out of further debt.
"They did everything. They were here and they sided the house, they sheet-rocked it, they put new flooring in, the yard. They did a great job," said John Williams.
The Williams just moved into their rebuilt home and for the first time in about a year they feel really at home.
"I slept like a baby, its really great ," said Williams.
There was a celebration of hope and healing Sunday night in Rushford, and a picnic later in the week.
Lutheran Disaster Response hopes to have the rest of the displaced families back in their homes by the end of the month. However, they're still short about $300,000.
The agency is asking for donations of both money and volunteer hours to finish the remaining homes. If you'd like to help you can call Lutheran Disaster Response at 507-864-4215.
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