NEW BERN, N.C. (WITN) – One of two families cut the ribbon on their newly built home, a long-awaited moment for those who were devastated by Hurricane Florence in 2018.
“When we came back to see what the aftermath was, it was not a pretty sight,” said home recipient Myles Lewis.
Lewis and his mother, Shanta Franks, were one of 108 families displaced within the Trent Court area.
On Tuesday, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the home on Walt Bellamy Drive, where New Bern City officials like Mayor Jeffrey Odham, the New Bern Housing Authority, State Senator Bob Brinson, friends, and family stood out front to watch the family enter their new home.
With the help of the NBHA, the redevelopment commission, and the city of New Bern, the family is now able to call the new home theirs.
“I just want everyone to know that anyone who had a hand in this, a prayer, or even something nice to say, that I’m very grateful,” said Franks.
The homes were purchased with FEMA public assistance and grant funding. They are the first step in the NBHA’s multi-phase plan to demolish the flood-damaged Trent Court homes and replace them with 400+ homes for those impacted by Florence.
NBHA Chairwoman Jennell Riddick says the process has been long and complex, but the hope is to return more families home in the months and years ahead.
“Anytime you’re dealing with the government, it is a lengthy process, so it is amazing to see them move in here before Christmas,” Riddick said.
With a large goal of 400 homes, WITN asked for a timeline for just how many homes they hope to complete each year.
NBHA says they do not have a timeline and hope to complete them in phases as they secure funding and sites.
After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Riddick said she received a call about the anticipated competitive grants for the Housing and Urban Development’s Choice Neighborhoods awards, which were approved for redeveloping distressed housing.
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