MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – It’s now been six months since the October floods hit much of our area. However, nonprofit groups say more than 250 people still need repairs in Horry County.
Surrounding areas like Florence County and Georgetown County both have long term recovery groups for flood victims, but that’s not the case for Horry County.
News13 met Kenneth Homsley several months ago after flood waters stood in his yard after the October flood.
“I don’t really know what to say. I’m just flabbergasted about all this,” said Homsley.
The disabled veteran was at a loss for words after he lost his heat and air and nearly everything in his home.
“I was as low as you can possibly get,” said Homsley.
Now, six months later, he showed News13 his home with more than $18,000 worth of repairs.
“The water underneath (the floor) had brought up all the tiles and stuff so all the flooring had to come up, and we had some seepage that came in through the walls so we had to put new paneling on them,” said Homsley.
He replaced the floors, the walls, two HVAC units and says he still has a way to go, but now he’s worried for others suffering in the county.
“These people are desperate. These people have been waiting six months longer for help and the government and the state and the county are just turning their heads,” said Homsley.
With more than 250 homes still in need of repairs in the county, nonprofit leaders say the biggest challenge right now is finding volunteers.
“I want them to get help. I don’t care where it comes from if it’s the government or the state or the county or what. They deserve to be helped just like everybody else,” said Homsley.
Lou Palm with the American Red Cross says his group plans to meet this month to reestablish a recovery plan ahead of hurricane season in Myrtle Beach.
He says in that meeting, he plans to bring up the need for a long term recovery group in Horry County and to start a discussion about creating a new group to help people still suffering from the October flood.