Like so many others, Jeffery Boddingh watched as Hurricane Helene’s impact caused the water from a nearby creek rise and surround his home before forceful winds kicked in.  Boddingh managed to scramble to his vehicle ankle deep in water, and drive away, knowing that his trailer would likely not be there when he got back.

“I stayed in the parking lot at McDonalds and thought ‘I guess I’ll have to sleep in my truck’,” says Boddingh.

He called his landlord who also owns his trailer and said, “Hey, your trailer’s gone. It’s underwater. The flood’s got it.”

His biggest concern at the time was that he’d be put out on the street, but when he found out there was an American Red Cross shelter he could go to, he says, it kept his spirits up and helped him to be positive.

Red Cross shelter volunteers helped him find clothes and shoes that fit, which was no small feat. Smiling, Boddingh says, “I got big feet. I wear a size 16.” 

Boddingh says that volunteers have been phenomenal and inspiring to him. He felt so inspired that as he sat in the shelter, he went online and put in an application to join the American Red Cross as a volunteer. 

“I’d like to see if I can help like they do.  It was really moving that people would actually do something like that for me,” says Boddingh.

As for his next steps, he’s not sure.  His neighbor’s homes are also gone and the land underneath his trailer has been washed away.  The trailer is leaning on top of a shed which is now on a steep slope.

Boddingh wants to get back into his trailer and get his stuff but is afraid if it moves, it will tumble down the hill on top of him.   So, for now, he waits. 

He shared that he’s comforted by the fact that the Red Cross will remain at the shelter until he can be connected to some long-term recovery options. That is enough to keep him positive for now. 

If you would like to help support the American Red Cross by volunteering or by making a financial contribution, please go to RedCross.org or call 1-800-RedCross (1-800-733-2767).