The aftermath of Hurricane Helene left a significant mark on the Veterans Restoration Quarters, a facility dedicated to homeless veterans, as the Swannanoa River’s floodwaters wreaked havoc. Positioned between two sections of the river, the shelter was particularly vulnerable to the deluge.
“We’re actually bordered on two sides by the Swannanoa River. So when the water came down the river really hard, it hit us really hard, too,” shared Ruth Lolo, a volunteer coordinator at the shelter.
The sudden evacuation by the National Guard gave residents, largely homeless veterans, only moments to salvage their belongings, many of which were irreplaceable, leaving them with a disrupted sense of security.
The shelter, which serves as a refuge for approximately 160 veterans, is now on a long road to recovery, eight months after the hurricane struck.
Significant damage has resulted in the complete demolition of two auxiliary structures and a maintenance shed. Extensive renovations are required for the primary residential building.
“We had to rip out all our ceilings, flooring, walls, the electrical, the plumbing. It’s all coming out and going to be put in fresh. So it’s going to be basically a brand new building when we build it back,” explained Lolo.
Construction is projected to span 18 to 24 months once it commences, according to Lolo.
Meanwhile, the ministry is collaborating with FEMA to appoint a construction manager for the project. Presently, 105 veterans have been temporarily relocated to the Quality Inn, while others have found more permanent accommodations.
The monthly cost of housing veterans at the Quality Inn is $180,000, noted Executive Director Scott Rogers.
“Quality Inn is providing us a discounted rate,” he mentioned. “And we’re absorbing all the costs… We’re gonna continue the program no matter what. The good news is that it’s not a financial strain because the cost of maintaining the usual 10-acre campus is expensive. So we’re doing fine.”
While a repair estimate of $13 million was initially set, Rogers admits the total cost remains uncertain.
“We’re working with FEMA and a contractor estimated $13 million, but it could be more,” he said. “We’re currently advertising for a construction manager who will work with FEMA and us to renovate the facility in sections. So once the section is completed, we’ll get reimbursed.”
Efforts to create a comfortable environment at the Quality Inn are ongoing.
“There’s definitely been some challenges. It’s a lot smaller space that we’re working in now,” Lolo said. “We don’t have any big gathering rooms like we used to have at our original location. We also don’t have our kitchen or dining room.”
The supportive role of nonprofits has been vital in bridging these gaps.
Samaritan’s Purse provided an event tent for social gatherings and meals, while Mercy Chefs has been instrumental in meal provision.
“It’s been an absolute godsend,” Lolo stated.
Veteran Mark Ricatelli, now residing at the Quality Inn, shared his displacement due to the hurricane. The local homeless population has tripled, climbing from 739 to 2,303 over the past year.
Ricatelli, who lost his housing post-storm, awaits a voucher from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to secure new accommodation.
“A lot of the veterans that I know that went through the flood lost most everything, and a lot or all their possessions were in their rooms and it got flooded,” Ricatelli explained. “So, a lot of them are having to begin over again, you know?”
The necessity of the Veterans Restoration Quarters is clear to Ricatelli, who emphasized the importance of its return as a permanent residence.
“Not only do they provide a place for veterans to sleep, but they provide classes and groups to deal with PTSD, with trauma, and all the stuff that basically creates a revolving door for veterans,” he noted.
Ricatelli has secured two new jobs and spends leisure time with fellow veterans under the donated tent, engaging in conversation and camaraderie.
“We hang out there and just chat and tell stories and laugh. It’s a place to not have to be alone.”
Need help with housing after Hurricane Helene? Check out our guide.
