Without any savings, 89-year old Billie relies on Supplemental Security Income to cover her expenses. With her low income, she took a hit when her home got flooded and she lost everything.
The Buda resident remembers the exact day she had to evacuate her apartment: October 31, 2015. All her belongings that touched the floor were ruined. On that day, she no longer had a place to call home. On that day, her car was totaled and she no longer had a means of transportation.
The months that followed were difficult. With her limited income, she was able to put pots, pans, clothes and anything that hadn’t been ruined by the flood into storage. Without a place to live, she relied on the kindness of her friends to help her out.
“I floated around with all my friends asking them if I could stay with them for a few nights,” she said.
As she moved from one place to another, her situation made her miss the holidays with her loved ones. She wasn’t able to see her nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren for Thanksgiving, Christmas or her birthday.
After months of insecurity, she received monetary assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The extra money helped her refurbish her apartment and return to Buda.
“I went mostly through Salvation Army and got what they had, which was nice,” she said. “I’m very pleased with everything I have.”
Though she was able to return to her apartment, her income only covers her rent, utilities and barely any food. Thanks to the Food Bank’s mobile pantry and Partner Agency, Hays County Food Bank, she has been able to receive food to help her through her time of need.
“I have no savings account; my two children are not to the point to where they can help me,” she said. “My income is below the poverty level, that’s why I come here to make sure I have some food to eat.”
At the food pantry she gets a little bit of everything: meat, fresh produce, fruit, bread, and dessert.
“Whatever I get, I’ll cook it. I love potatoes and the meat and I always try to have something green. If I don’t have a green vegetable, I’ll eat a green salad,” Billie said. “It keeps me healthy, the stuff they give out to us is good food and you can keep it in the refrigerator or you can freeze it.”
After the flood, access to food became more difficult without a car. Now, Billie relies on her friend to take her to the food distribution sites. Though her friend lives in Niederwald, Texas, she picks up Billie in Buda and then they head to Kyle. With their good conversation, the drive passes quickly.
“I’m thrilled to death with the help I get. Everybody’s been really just great with me,” Billie said. “Thank God for them and God bless them all, every one of them.”
