A burst pipe on Christmas Eve has left the REACH shelter without a permanent home for several months as staff search for a temporary rental home.
According to REACH Director Andrea Anderson, the extreme cold of Christmas weekend caused a pipe in the sprinkler system to freeze and burst in the client computer lab.
“As a result of the burst, the ceiling collapsed in the computer lab, damaging all the computers, there was damage to adjoining rooms, and several inches of flooding throughout the entire shelter,” Anderson said in an email on Dec. 30. “Fortunately, no one was injured. The shelter has 10 bedrooms with private baths, two kitchen/dining areas, an office, computer lab, playroom, laundry room, pantry and storage areas - so the flooding was quite extensive.”
Most of the furniture was damaged beyond repair and the repairs will take several months.
Anderson thanked Franklin Fire & Rescue, Serv-Pro, NCI and many of the staff and their families who responded to the crisis. Additionally, First Baptist Church provided hot meals, drinks and more on Christmas Day.
“The night of the incident, we were able to transition all residents into alternative shelter and provide food and all necessities,” Anderson said. “We are very happy to say that the Christmas presents for the families and their children were saved, and in spite of the circumstances, everyone put their best foot forward in pursuit of a Merry Christmas.”
Despite the heavy damages, Anderson said REACH is still providing all its services.
“Our top goal is to not let this be a barrier for someone trying to leave an abusive situation,” Anderson said. “We do have resources to still provide immediate alternative shelter, and we are looking for a rental home for a few months to better serve our needs during the interim.”
While insurance is expected to cover much of the damage and repairs, Anderson explained, there will be expenses that aren’t covered.
“Our community has always supported REACH and our mission; in fact, it was with the support of the community that we were able to build our shelter approximately seven years ago,” Anderson said. “Since that time, we have housed hundreds of families and their children. There are many ways in which our community can assist during this difficult time including making a monetary contribution, donating gifts cards for gas and food, and continuing to support our thrift store.”
Donations can be made online at reachofmaconcounty.org, mailed to P.O. Box 228, Franklin, N.C., 28744, or in person at the REACH office or thrift store at 158 Heritage Hollow Dr.
For more information or if you or someone you know needs assistance due to domestic violence, sexual assault or human trafficking, you can call or text 828-369-5544.
Macon County residents in need can also dial 911 and ask for a REACH associate if their phone is out of minutes.