As Eastern Kentucky climbs the uphill battle to recovery, it has lessons and a warning to share with the nation

A house built with funds from the Housing Can’t
Wait initiative. (Photo form HOMES Inc.)

Six months out from Eastern Kentucky's disastrous summer floods, the area's recovery has lessons for the nation as it struggles to face climate-change challenges, Kim Kobersmith reports for The Daily Yonder. But first things first: "The urgent need for housing assistance shines a light on the complexity of recovery in an already challenged rural area. Their deepest hope is not just to get roofs over people’s heads but also to secure the resources to build stronger, more resilient communities going forward."

Scott McReynolds of the Housing Development Alliance in Hazard told Kobersmith: “We have the opportunity to get it right and economically move the needle for some of the most distressed Appalachian counties. Getting people out of substandard housing in flood prone areas, into safe, energy efficient homes, will give residents the opportunity to create wealth through housing.”

Flooding is not covered in most home insurance policies, and most say they can't afford flood insurance, ao that has creates painful outcomes. McReynolds shares a real-life example: "His house was literally washed away. It was worth about $120,000 and he has a $60,000 mortgage on it. He had no insurance and received the $40,000 FEMA allotment," Kobersmith writes. "He now owes $20,000 on a house that no longer exists and a piece of flood-prone property. Land on higher ground will cost him approximately $30,000. He is facing $50,000 in mortgage obligations before he even begins to build a new home."

HDA's plan includes climate change as part of the new reality, Kobersmith reports: "In anticipation of increasing 'unprecedented' rain events, it states, 'It is clear that simply repairing and rebuilding homes where they were is a short-sighted, inadequate, and dangerous solution. One option is to site homes on higher ground on family land where possible and rebuild with flood-resistant construction techniques. . . Area leaders anticipate these types of disasters will continue to occur more frequently and intensely due to climate change. Their experiences in Eastern Kentucky have shown the recovery system in the U.S. is not up to the task."

Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear has announced two new housing-development sites on higher ground, but the Republican-controlled legislature passed a flood relief package without any funds designated for housing. But local efforts are energized. Housing Can’t Wait committed "to build 12 new houses. . . It was about more than recovery; it was a challenge aimed at elected officials," Kobersmith reports. "The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky contributed more than $1 million towards the effort. . . . social investment platform Invest Appalachia has given two innovative five-year conditional repayment grants."