LOWELL, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder has declared a state of disaster for several counties across West Michigan. One of the hardest hit areas was Lowell, as several homes are still unlivable.
Homeowner, Eric Hoon said his basement was completely submerged during the flood. He also said damage was done to the foyer and laundry room within his home.
He wouldn’t give an exact number but said repairs are costing him thousands of dollars. He said he’s doing everything he can, but that there was no way he could’ve prepared for a disaster of this magnitude.
“Once it [disaster] actually hits you, it’s a totally different situation,” Hoon said.
While in Lowell, FOX 17 came across workers who traveled a long distance to help out with the relief. Scott Caro works for Square One LLC, a Georgia based company that travels from state to state helping out with the clean up after disasters.
He said the home they’re working on has nearly $10,000 in damages.
“This home here was completely flooded,” Caro said. “We had to remove all the sheet rock, all the insulation and several layers of flooring.”
He said the damage seen in Lowell is comparable to both the damage he witnessed after Hurricane Sandy and Hurricane Katrina struck. Only this time, he said it’s personal. Caro, who now lives in Texas, is from Lowell, and said most of his family still lives here.
“It’s awful really. I saw the pictures when we were first getting here and water was still coming over the bridges,” he said. “It was awful. It’s sad.”
He said Square One LLC will stay in Lowell as long as they have work.
In the meantime, Hoon continues to repair his home, but said he could use a little help.
“I’m not one to take advantage of government funding,” he said about the state of disaster being declared. “But now being in the situation, I’m going to take advantage of that.”
