Houston, Texas (KTRK) – Families in southeast Texas are facing significant challenges as they attempt to rebuild their lives following the devastating storms in May. For many, the damage has become a life-altering obstacle, particularly for those who were already struggling to make ends meet.
The Romero family, for example, has been forced to stay in a motel after a tree fell on their northeast Houston apartment, causing extensive damage. “We’re 17 in total, and at the moment, we have to stay in the hotel,” explained Ada Argueta. “Because at our apartment, the tree fell on top of the roof.”
Initially, the family tried to stay in their apartment despite the dire conditions, which included flooded floors, broken plumbing, and no electricity. However, the heat became unbearable, prompting them to rent motel rooms last week.
“My feelings are going off and on in depression, sad, worried,” Pedro Romero shared. “Mostly, we’ve been trying to pay the hotel and all of that.” The Romeros can’t afford the motel, and their income from selling candy is not enough to cover the costs.
The family has applied for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), but the process is slow. They are still waiting for their application to be approved, and time is running out.
“Honestly, I want a new house, them to relax and play like kids,” said Junior Romero, looking at his younger siblings and other relatives. “Not worry. Like, be kids. [In] my childhood, mostly, I didn’t have fun. Like chaos, mostly.”
According to the source, the Romero family’s situation highlights the broader issue faced by many in southeast Texas. Rebuilding after the May storms has been particularly difficult for those who were already living in precarious conditions.
The damage from the storms has exacerbated their struggles, and the delays in receiving FEMA assistance have added to their woes.
Despite these challenges, the community is showing resilience. Many families, like the Romeros, are doing what they can to get by while waiting for help. However, the need for timely assistance is critical. Without it, families risk falling deeper into hardship.
The story of the Romero family and others like them is a stark reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and efficient response systems. As the frequency and intensity of storms increase, so does the need for robust support mechanisms to help affected communities recover and rebuild.
In the meantime, the Romeros and other families in southeast Texas continue to hope for better days. They are waiting for the assistance they desperately need to start rebuilding their lives and homes.
The community’s resilience is admirable, but timely and effective support is essential to ensure that families can recover and thrive after such devastating events.
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