NORWOOD, Ohio - Two weeks without power or hot water. That's what many in this town are dealing with after devastating floods.
But there's a community effort under way to help those families. People have been donating cleaning supplies, washers and dryers, even musical instruments. That's music to their ears.
For those still in need of cleanup help or how to pay for it, county commissioners have scheduled public information sessions for flood victims at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Fine Arts Center of Roger Bacon High School (4320 Vine St.) and at 6 p.m. Thursday in the Norwood High School cafeteria (2020 Sherman Ave.).
"At 74, I don't want to lose my house. I've been here since I was 7. I love it here," said Norwood resident Carol Smith.
Smith is worried that she can't afford the cost of cleanup.
"If I keep taking money from my mortgage, I'm going to lose my home," she said.
Carol is one of hundreds in Norwood still cleaning up from the flooding and trying to find the cash to pay for it all. Many residents didn't have flood insurance.
"It's heartbreaking," said Jason Bonsall, a member of Norwood City Council. "You don't realize what the impact really is until you see people working many weeks later."
Bonsall is trying to get help for flood victims. He took us around to some of the cleanup work, like the Maple Avenue Apartments, where some residents had to be rescued.
At the Cameron Avenue Church of God, the floor is being redone.
And finally to Smith's home. Thanks to a donation and the work of contractor Zach Fogleman, she's going to get the new washer and dryer she needs.
"I feel safe here because I've got a brand new family all around me that have taken me in and made me a part of their family," Smith said.
You can go to the Metropolitan Sewer District's website to file a claim to be compensated for recent flooding. MSD confirmed more than 1,600 sewer backups because of the flooding. If you contact them and they determine that any damage was caused by the sewer system, they may cover the cost of repairs.
