Teri Hayes is our neighborhood’s unsung hurricane hero. Our neighborhood suffered tremendous damage during Hurricane Ivan. My family and many of our friends lost our homes and most of our belongings to Ivan. Teri opened her home and her heart to all of us in the neighborhood,including friends as well as strangers.
Every day for weeks thereafter, Teri set up a lunch train, driving from destroyed home to destroyed home to drop off sandwiches and refreshment for those of us salvaging our homes and belongings. Teri returned home to prepare gourmet dinners for us, so we could wearily gather in her home after the long day for a good meal, friendship, fellowship, and an occasional, well-needed laugh. She tirelessly laundered the clothes we found scattered throughout the neighborhood and lovingly washed our dishes and other recovered treasures. She cleared her floors for people to sleep on in her home and brushed aside her own needs (damaged roof and downed trees) to help us. Teri walked the neighborhood with us searching for our things, packing boxes, or just lending us a shoulder on which to cry.
Teri called upon her connections in real estate––without charging for her services and professional time–– to provide housing for no less than fifteen families made homeless in the storm. She relentlessly telephoned homeowners of newly constructed houses on the market, urging the owners to rent the not-yet-occupied homes to the newly homeless families. My family and five others all rented houses on Teri's street, due to her assistance. Ten other families soon found housing through her efforts. Her hard work positively impacted the quality of life for our children as well: they could now return to an inviting home after spending many weeks away from their own immediate family and neighborhood.
Teri’s efforts made our lives so much easier. We could focus on recovering our things, while she searched the scarce rental market for housing on our behalf. Most importantly, she eased the pain of our children, directing their attention away from the hurricane's destruction and focusing it on the return, renewal, and rebirth of their neighborhood. Teri's generosity continues: During the holiday season, she opened her home and hearth to Ivan's survivors. She not only gave us a sense of hope in the aftermath of a devastating act of nature, she also embodied what the holiday season truly means: Caring for friends, family, and strangers alike to achieve a better, more compassionate sense of community.
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