Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
FAMILIES DISPLACED BY IDA FLOODS HELPED
Restaurants, organizations providing aid to those still struggling
KENNETT SQUARE » Many of the residents of southern Chester County who were displaced by flooding are still in temporary housing, aided by volunteers who bring them meals. The meals are donated by local restaurants, many still struggling with pandemic challenges.
Hardest hit were the families already struggling financially, relying on organizations like
Kennett Area Community Services. In a unique collaboration, KACS teamed up with the Garage Youth Center to help families who lost everything.
“Families were tirelessly working to salvage anything they could from their units, most families losing all their furniture and many personal belongings due to the flooding,” said Amy Scheuren, program driector of the KACS emergency assistance team. “Some tenants in the building were rushing to
do laundry in hopes of saving clothing, sheets, and towels. Our team went door to door knocking on every first-floor unit to assess what was needed most and how we could help find the families a place to stay. Some were able to stay with friends and family, but many were still left without options.”
They were housed at the Fairfield Inn in Kennett Square, where 35 still remain. Alex Malone, a single mother who is in the food business, went to local
businesses soliciting food for the families.
“We had an amazing response,” Malone said. “The community stepped up and it’s been amazing. There are five kids in the group of 35, and it broke my heart because you have never seen happier faces than when we deliver the food.”
Kris Proto, who heads up the Garage Youth Center, converted the West Grove facility into a makeshift shelter. Many in the
community donated mattresses and bedding, and local restaurants donated food.
“The Garage team is immensely grateful to the entire Southern Chester County Community for the outpouring of support that the flood victims have experienced,” said Proto. “We are grateful for the leadership of Leah Reynolds and her team at KACS who have been working with us seamlessly to ensure that our most vulnerable neighbors are treated with dignity and care every day and especially during this emergency crisis. The Garage is also looking forward to continuing this conversation with our entire community around long-term solutions to housing.”
Volunteers will continue to deliver food to displaced families at least until the end of October.
“We’re thankful for all the volunteers and restaurants who have been helping out,: said Leah Reynolds, executive director at KACS. “The (volunteers) have been bringing hot meals to people who have suffered disasters.”
Malone has recruited her two children, ages 10 and 13, to help deliver the food.
“They get to see what other people need and how to give back,” she said. “It’s been a great experience for everyone.”
Said Reynolds: “KACS is committed to remaining by the side of the impacted families, not only today but also in the weeks and months ahead as they recover from these unfortunate circumstances.”