Community Corner

Flood Victims in Need of Permanent Housing, Donations

Shelters have closed, but families are struggling to find homes of their own.

Over 40 families are still in need of permanent housing, monetary and household donations after Sept. 8 flooding devastated the Holly Acres mobile home community. 

Flood victims met at the Holly Acres site yet again with Mexicans Without Borders representatives Ricardo Juarez and Nancy Lyall Tuesday to discuss the victims’ situation.

Lyall said there is not a lot of low-income housing available in Prince William County, so placing families in a more permanent home than a shelter or someone’s basement is proving to be difficult.

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Prince William County schools education foundation system SPARK is still accepting donations online. The county allocated $65,000 in proffered funds to the American Red Cross and other nonprofit organizations to assist the Holly Acres residents and an additional $20,000 to the Prince William Park Authority for the use of the Dale City Recreation Center as a shelter. 

Lyall said that tax-deductible donations could be made directly for flood victims by sending check or money order made out to the Woodbridge Workers Committee. Mail donations to Woodbridge Workers Committee P.O. Box K, Woodbridge VA, 22194.

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Potomac Crest Baptist Church and Belmont Elementary have teamed up to accept donations of toiletries, household items, diapers, large furniture and appliances. All donations should be dropped off at either location; large items can be coordinated with Deanna Welch or Anna Giesberts. 

Donations from these locations will be housed in a free store for flood victims at the top floor of B-Thrifty located at 13412 Jefferson Davis Highway from Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

A free outdoor concert will be held on Sunday, Oct. 2 from noon to 6 p.m. donations will be collected for the flood victims. 

Demolition of the trailers will soon begin, and Lyall said that if a trailer is condemned and the owner has not spoken with someone about the trailer removal, please call the Legal Aid Justice Center.

Vista Properties, a home improvement company, will be heading up the demolition effort but many more construction companies will be needed to clear out what Lyall expects to be three-weeks worth of work. 

Phone numbers to know:

  • If you are a flood victim, landlord with low-cost housing, or wish to volunteer call the Woodbridge Flood Victims hotline: 703-986-0931
  • Legal Aid Justice Center: 703-778-3450
  • Deanna Welch (Potomac Crest Baptist Church): 910-494-3794
  • Anna Giesberts: 703-623-3519
  • Scott with Vista Properties: 540-877-6627

Editor's Note: The SPARK system is still accepting donations for flood victims via PayPal. 


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