Elizabeth Combs’ landlord told her she had tenants’ insurance, which means the landlord is not responsible for damages.
GASTONIA, N.C. — Tropical Storm Debby now downgraded to a depression, moved into the Charlotte area Thursday. The heavy rainfall led to flooding, downed trees, and damage in the Charlotte area.
One family in Gastonia is asking the community for help after the storms destroyed and flooded her home and buried her car under debris from a tree that fell in the yard.
The sound of soaked carpet is not what you want to hear when you’re walking around your home.
“I mean you’re just sloshing through,” Elizabeth Combs told WCNC Charlotte’s Tradesha Woodard.
It’s a noise Combs can’t escape, after rain from Thursday’s storms drenched her floors, destroying her home and burying her car under debris from the year.
“I’m glad the rain has slowed down a bit, but we cannot stay here,” Combs said. “I need to know what’s next for us.”
After accepting the reality that she needed a new place to stay, Combs started making some calls.
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“I have renters insurance but the landlord says it’s not renters insurance,” she said.
Combs’ landlord told her she had tenants’ insurance, which means the landlord is not responsible for paying for damage repairs.
She also reached out to the Red Cross for help but was met with more roadblocks. “They told me because this had not been declared a disaster area, there are not any shelters set up.”
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Combs was told the nearest shelter was in Fayetteville but with no transportation, she hit yet another roadblock.
“I just feel like a burden, there is nowhere to go for help,” she said.
Combs took another look at what was left behind. She has a nine-year-old daughter that’s depending on her. “Security is important for kids and she doesn’t have any right now,” Combs said.
As she works to find more resources, she and her daughter are asking the community for help. Combs said anything helps, whether removing these tree limbs to help them or simply making a donation.
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Contact Tradesha Woodard at twoodard1@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Alice J. Roden started working for Trending Insurance News at the end of 2021. Alice grew up in Salt Lake City, UT. A writer with a vast insurance industry background Alice has help with several of the biggest insurance companies. Before joining Trending Insurance News, Alice briefly worked as a freelance journalist for several radio stations. She covers home, renters and other property insurance stories.