The aftermath of Hurricane Ida left many families struggling to rebuild their lives. For Pascal Omoa, the road to recovery has been incredibly challenging as he works with volunteers to restore his home. With each passing day, the once-barren structure is transformed into a space filled with hope and stability.
September 11 has transformed from a day of tragedy to one of service, reflecting the resilience of communities. Volunteer groups, like the Fuller Center for Housing, rally around homeowners to bring them back from the brink. This spirit of helping others can be seen in the efforts of businesses that encourage their teams to engage in community service.
Pascal Omoa's emotional journey showcases the impact of community assistance in times of need. With the help of volunteers, he is finally seeing the possibility of a bright future. He expresses profound gratitude for the support received and looks forward to moving into his new home, a symbol of his family's perseverance.
It has been three years since Hurricane Ida wreaked havoc in many areas, leaving lasting scars and ongoing challenges. In Greenberg, Westchester County, residents like Pascal Omoa are finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel as their hard work to rebuild their homes pays off. On September 11, a day now recognized as a National Day of Service, Pascal celebrated a significant milestone in his recovery journey. Pascal, who is not a construction worker by trade, was seen donning a hard hat and vest, working alongside volunteers to restore his family home, which had been devastated by flooding. The harrowing experience of evacuating his wife and two children remains etched in his memory. “I can tell you it was one of the most terrible times in my life,” he expressed, recounting the moments when everything changed due to the furious winds and relentless rain of Hurricane Ida. The Fuller Center for Housing, a nonprofit organization dedicated to aiding those affected by flooding, played a pivotal role in Pascal's recovery efforts. They provide not just labor but also essential materials and resources to ensure families can reclaim their lives. Each year, the organization mobilizes volunteers on September 11 for a build-a-thon event aimed at fostering community engagement and support. Pascal stressed the importance of such efforts, challenging local companies to step forward and provide just one day of service to help homeowners like him become resilient against future disasters. Among the volunteers this year were members from OLA Consulting Engineers, a group committed to community service. Their involvement illustrates a strong spirit of giving back, with participants eager to roll up their sleeves and contribute meaningful work. "Right from the interview process, we start talking about some of the things we do for our communities, and people just are all in," said a team member. Pascal expressed his profound gratitude for the support he received, saying, "You have no idea how grateful I am for them coming here, supporting us with their time, with their expertise, skills." After enduring a nightmare and facing what felt like an insurmountable challenge over three years, Pascal is now hopeful. He aims to move into his newly rebuilt dream home by the end of this year, marking a remarkable turnaround and a testament to resilience and community solidarity.
