Emmons family immediate needs

My Cousin Lauren and her family woke up around midnight on Tuesday morning to a disaster literally flooding their home. The Hartwell city sewer lines had backed up and were gushing into their home while they slept. What should have been Lauren’s first day back at work after her 6 week maternity leave, turned out to be the beginning of a nightmare.

Alex took Lauren, their 2 sons and their newborn baby girl to his parents in Reed Creek until they could figure out what to do. All they had were their pjs that they were wearing.

When the proper officials came to check out the damage, they condemned the house and everything in it claiming it isn’t safe. (However remember that the whole family was asleep and breathing in human waste for who knows how long before they woke up)

The City of Hartwell is claiming that it is not their fault and they are not willing to help out with any living arrangements or anything. I just don’t understand how city sewage can back up into your home, potentially causing serious health issues and a family losing everything they own, and nobody wants to take responsibility.

So basically Lauren, Alex and the kids are homeless with nothing. They can’t get anything out of the house because of everything being contaminated and a biohazard. The house will have to be completely gutted, down to the foundation because of the sewage. It will be months before it is livable again, if it is even salvageable? At this point it may be permanently condemned. Only time will tell as the cleanup begins.

Meanwhile, Christmas is coming up. They are staying with Alex’s parents for now but there is little room and they are sleeping on an air mattress on the floor. If you can help, any little bit will help! If you know of somewhere for rent in the Hartwell area, let us know!

Family and friends were able to rally together to get what was needed for the first few days such as diapers, clothes for the boys for school and Lauren for work. But the coming needs will be great as they have nothing. Thank you!