IN THE PRESS: Coalition providing home repairs to those still in need of hurricane help

Story by Theresa Schmidt for KPLC News 7

Lake Charles, LA (KPLC) – Many in Southwest Louisiana are still struggling to recover from Hurricane Laura and the disasters that followed.

A collaboration between Mennonites and Amish, along with the Louisiana Methodist Conference and the Fuller Disaster Rebuilders have come together to rebuild houses and fix roofs as their resources allow.

Some may do a double-take to see women with dresses and little bonnets on roofs in the area. They are Amish women working along with others tackling the repairs.

One of four houses they’re working on right now belongs to Beverly Goodly, who says they are an answer to her prayers.

Howell says it’s a unique and wonderful collaboration.

“I think it’s most unusual. I think you are going to find that this is going to be the model that we use in Louisiana. It’s unbelievable how the three organizations have come together to make thing happen,” Howell said.

Goodly calls the work a miracle and shares her story to give hope to others.

“Yes I had crying nights and crying days, but I never gave up and I stood on his word and his promises. He would never leave me, never forsake me,” said Goodly.