DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — It's almost been a month since Hurricane Ian made its landfall, and many central Florida residents are still trying to recover from the damage that was left by the storm.
What You Need To Know
- Many Daytona Beach homeowners impacted by Ian still have furniture and other debris sitting outside their homes
- FEMA assistance has been slow moving, as some have not had their homes inspected
- 91-year-old Eunice P. Williams, who has lived in Daytona Beach since the 1960s, is dealing with these issues
Eunice P. Williams has raised four generations of her family out of her home in Daytona Beach.
"Since the 60s," Williams worked to recall.
At 91, she can recall memories of her children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren who have stepped through her doors.
The home she lives in serves as the headquarters for the people she loves the most.
"I mean, this is the only home we've ever really owned," Williams explained.
Over the last few weeks, Williams has seen a lot of changes to what she's built.
Her home became flooded while Ian was rolling through Volusia County.
Furniture and photo albums that have been around for decades couldn't be salvaged.
On top of the damage, Williams's first request for FEMA assistance was denied.
Her family has since reapplied and has been told they qualified for help. However, no one has still been to the home for an inspection.
"When you see all of the trash still around, it's hard to move on because you can still see everything," said Perry Williams, who has consistently checked on his mother.
Her family is doing everything they can to keep her spirits lifted.
She had to stay in a hotel for several days after the storm, and a stint followed that in the hospital.
The stress from this whole ordeal is something Williams is ready to put in the past.
"That's truly a blessing to have a family taking care of me. I just thank God for them," she said.
Williams and her family aren't sure when the debris left behind by the storm will be picked up, but they're hoping it's done soon.