From Rescue to Respite

HOMEOWNERS George and Sherry Mullins
PROJECT New Home
BUILDER Housing Development Alliance
LOCATION Perry County, KY

George and Sherry Mullins barely survived the flood in the Lower River Caney community of Breathitt County and are one of the families served by Housing Development Alliance and Housing Can’t Wait. Prior to the flood, they were enjoying their retirement years in the security of their own home. But then, on the night of July 28, 2022, their lives were changed forever. Their community was nearly swept off the map by floodwaters, which reached levels no one thought possible, and the couple’s mobile home was literally ripped in half.

George and Sherry barely escaped and were later rescued by helicopter. However, their niece, who lived just down the road from them, drowned in the flood. Since then, the couple has been living in a state-provided hotel room, but now, thanks to the efforts of Housing Can’t Wait, the Mullins were able to use their FEMA award, Federal Home Loan Bank Disaster Recovery Funds, and other sources of funding to purchase a new home that’s out of the floodplain. Their new home is located in Perry County and is less than 20 minutes from their family and friends in Lower River Caney.