Volunteers Save 70 Families $15K After WV Flooding

When floodwaters destroy your home, the cleanup bill can cost as much as rebuilding itself, but one volunteer group is changing that equation for dozens of West Virginia families.

Christ in Action has been working in Buckhannon for the past week, providing free home demolition and cleanup services that save each family between $10,000 and $15,000. The disaster relief organization has already helped 15 families and has 34 more scheduled over the next five weeks.

"What we do is we do full home demolition, so in certain cases, you will have a home completely destroyed," said Sonja Degerstrom, the group's coordinator of strategic partnerships. "That allows the homeowner to save about $10,000 to $15,000, so they can put that toward rebuilding."

The team of 26 volunteers from across the country doesn't just tear down destroyed structures. They also gut homes by removing drywall, flooring, and insulation damaged by floodwaters to prevent mold growth that could make families sick.

Degerstrom explained that even if a gutted home doesn't look pretty for a while, keeping it dry prevents serious health problems. Some homeowners don't realize they need help right away, which is why Christ in Action stays longer than most disaster relief groups.

The Ripple Effect

The organization's commitment to staying put is already making waves throughout Upshur and Lewis counties. With 17 additional families on a waiting list pending final details like electricity disconnection, the group expects to help around 70 families total before they leave.

Anyone who needs help or wants to volunteer can call the group's 24/7 assistance line at 571-358-9242. Trained staff answer calls around the clock, assess each situation, and either send a team or direct callers to the right resources.

The base camp in Buckhannon maintains a core team of 14 volunteers, with additional helpers rotating in from communities nationwide who want to make a difference for strangers facing one of life's hardest moments.

These volunteers are turning what could be months of dangerous DIY cleanup or crushing debt into a fresh start for families who've already lost so much.