EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. — For many residents in East St Louis, recovery after months of severe flooding has been slow. But now there’s hope.
“We never got it as bad as this year," said Frances Dunigan outside her home.
At 62, she never imagined she'd be living in a house overtaken by floodwater. The storms in July left her basement filled with mold and mildew. She said her health has taken a turn.
“By me being disabled, now, I can't get down those steps," she said. “I've been having respiratory, like allergies and sinus problems.”
But today, she said she feels some relief. We followed crews with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA. They’re going door to door in East St. Louis, helping residents like Frances.
“We haven't stopped since our boots hit the ground," said Leyla Gulen, a FEMA spokesperson.
Gulen said they’re listening to people’s stories and getting them resources.
“If you feel that you've suffered any damage, make sure you take pictures of it, because that's going to help quicken the process," she said.
So far, the federal government has provided over $9.4 million to help survivors across seven Illinois counties. The Illinois counties that FEMA crews are canvassing in connection to July storm damage are St. Clair, Washington, Fulton, Henry, Winnebago, Cook, and Will.
“Wherever we are needed, we will be there," Gulen said.
It’s the reason Dunigan said her uncertainty has shifted to hope.
“It really made me feel good that somebody out here thinking about us and to help us," Dunigan said.
FEMA will be in the area for the next few weeks, assisting homeowners impacted by July’s storms. Residents are urged to apply before the November 19 deadline.
