Fairfield Resident Still Rebuilding Nearly a Year After Sandy

Bonita Svrcek has lived in Fairfield for 35 years, but lately, she hasn’t been staying in town.

"The storm was October 29th. I am close to a year later, and I’m still not finished repairing my house, so it’s been really hard," said Svrcek.

More than 50 percent of her home was destroyed, so she is mandated to raise it. Right now the house is completely gutted but raised.

However, Svrcek is having a hard time financing the repairs.

"I did get $2600 from FEMA for a place to live, but other than that, I qualify for nothing because I was responsible and had flood insurance," said Svrcek.

At 65-years-old and on a fixed teacher’s pension, she had to borrow more than $200,000 to make repairs.

"I lost $200,000 worth of equity in my house and nobody’s helping me, she said.

She did go to the Fairfield Intake Center Friday to see if she qualifies for any of the $30 million in grant money being given out to homeowners for uncovered Sandy expenses.

"I think it’s valuable for people to call even if they’re not sure and just get in here and make an appointment to talk to somebody," said Terry Giegengack, Director of Fairfield's Human and Social Services.

Svrcek has mixed feelings about the program. While she says the people at the center were more than helpful, she’s worried about how the money will be distributed.

"When I talked to HUD, they basically said to me because I’m on a teachers’ pension, it’s quite likely that I will not be able to get help," said Svrcek.

Svrcek says help is really needed because in addition to the repairs she is currently making, she's facing unexpected costs because asbestos and termite rot were found in her house.
 

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