20th Anniversay of Hurricane Hugo

Hugo still being felt on the rural Sea Islands and the Rural Mission is still responding!

It has been 20 years, but Hurricane Hugo is still a problem for a number of poor homeowners living in the rural areas of Wadmalaw and Johns Islands. Many of these residents reside on heir's property where building permits are hard to get and clouded ownership and titles to land and homes has proven to be a roadblock for assistance. It is difficult to believe that these conditions still exist but they do. As always, those with the least always struggle the most with such emergencies, storms and disasters. Their recovery is much longer if at all. The tornado that came across Wadmalaw Island in May of 2008 is another example. The destruction is still evident in the homes, outbuildings and yards of many of the poorest families.

After Hurricane Hugo, those with good insurance and those with resources were returned to normal or even better, although with some delays for many. Those with little resources and limited physical ability were the last to receive help. For many low-income homeowners, repairs were really only band-aids and temporary. Homes already old and in disrepair, were made somewhat livable for the occupants. This is the way it has remained today. Roof repairs of 20 years ago, some hastily done by less than honest contractors and novices did not take long to leak again. Shingles with a life of 15 to 20 years are often not serviceable today after 20 years.

One such home is the older home on heir's property on Johns Islands belonging to Mrs. Stanley. This old home, down a long dirt lane, has a wonderful history. Mrs. Stanley's mother, Mrs. Hunter, was a well-known matriarch of the Sea Islands who was honored by the Smithsonian Institute for her preservation of island culture, language, storytelling and crafts. Her life is honored in the book, Ain't You Got a Right to the Tree of Life?, about Johns Island. After Hugo, this home has not been the same, with a roof that has leaked and created damage to the home ever since. Patchwork repairs have not worked. The family could do little else. Today the home needs significant roof repairs and interior renovation. The family has struggled with this with little help.

Please contact the Rural Mission about helping families and elderly residents who are facing the hardships of trying to live in very substandard housing. They need our help. Contact information is at the bottom of this web page, and donations can be made on-line by clicking the "Donate Now" button to the left.