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Greetings!
In a conversation recently, a friend was asking about MDS rebuilding homes after a disaster. I replied: “It is not that easy.” Responding to disasters in the recovery phase is a lot more complicated than early response, where the objective is making houses safe, sanitary and secure.
Rebuilding has challenges. However, MDS has not shied away from that which is complicated.
A consistent challenge is the increasing cost of materials and decreasing availability of skilled mechanical contractors. As long-term recovery groups and VOAD* groups assess and bring recovery needs to the table, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find funding to build homes. The average cost for materials and skilled trades for a 3 bedroom, 2-bathroom house is about $120,000. Pre-COVID, the prices were approximately $75,000. As a result, MDS is having to raise more funds for building materials to accompany our volunteer support since a significant number of disasters we respond to are not large enough in scope for the homeowners to receive Individual Assistance from FEMA. Thus, if they do not have homeowners insurance, the owner faces a huge challenge.
Our desire is to work toward a resilient and affordable home that is built to mitigate against natural hazards is costly as well. For example, our updated plans are rated at a 150-mph wind load. MDS attempts to work with county and local governments to comply with or, in many cases, exceed the building codes.
MDS provides service opportunities for volunteers to help disaster survivors get back home. We are guided by the availability of volunteers to determine when we will respond to the many requests for help. We can respond in more locations in the fall and winter months, as volunteers are more readily available. However, in the spring and summer, we are in fewer locations because there are fewer volunteers able to serve. Yet, opportunities to serve disaster survivors continue to increase. We continue to look for volunteers to answer the call.
Despite the challenges, there is nothing like the moment when MDS hands over the key to the new homeowner with a Bible, a wall hanging and often a hug. It makes all the challenges worthwhile! Thanks be to God.
*Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster
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