DeKalb County is currently facing a crisis as its only family emergency shelter, Hagar's House, struggles to reopen following severe damage wrought by Hurricane Helene. Back in September, the hurricane caused extensive flooding in Decatur, directly impacting the shelter. According to WSB-TV, a clogged storm drain near the shelter exacerbated the situation, leading to the inundation of Hagar's House and the caving in of the roof, resulting in its closure.
The shelter, which provides refuge to up to five families, is still reeling from the aftermath of the storm. Caseworker Betty Wood expressed the terrifying situation, saying, "It was scary actually. There was a deluge of water coming into the shelter, and there was nothing to stop it," a moment where the water's relentless flow seemed almost as unwavering as fate. The Decatur Cooperative Ministry, which operates Hagar's House, confirmed that the property's lower walls and floors were so damaged that they required removal—leaving the shelter uninhabitable and in need of extensive repairs. While insurance covers $30,000, the estimated cost to restore the facility properly is around $150,000, which includes a replacement of the roof.
Marlene White, the Executive Director of Decatur Cooperative Ministry, has voiced her concerns about the facility's closure and its effect on families in need. "While we serve lots of families, our primary clients are little people," White said in a statement obtained by FOX5 Atlanta. She stressed the importance of providing a secure environment for the children and highlighted that each day the shelter remains closed is "a sad day to me." However, efforts continue to support those affected despite the circumstances, with the collection of donated toys and toiletries for families being arranged for Christmas.
Government support appears meager as White commented, "We did reach out to the county, and they are in discussion of what they can do," showcasing a potentially hopeful yet decidedly uncertain waiting game. The executive director also mentioned that they are ineligible for state or federal disaster relief funds, which leaves them reliant on public generosity to meet their financial needs for repairs. "We can't have families here, but there are things we can do," White told FOX5 Atlanta. Extending an invitation for community aid, the shelter encourages contributions to assist in rebuilding Hagar's House and those wishing to donate can do so through a link provided by both FOX5 Atlanta and WSB-TV.
