Volunteers helping disabled residents

By Aldrich M. Tan • of The Northwestern • July 4, 2008

Mary Baird, 45, of Oshkosh, had 8-10 inches of water at her home on the 800 block of Otter Avenue. Her new washer and dryer were ruined, and the walls had the "wonderfully odorous" smell of mold.

And then came the challenge of getting all the stuff out of her basement. But Baird cannot lift any heavy objects because she has reflux sympathetic dystrophy and also degenerative disc disease.

Last week, Baird found out about the county's new, temporary program to aid people with special needs whose homes are still in disarray one week later.

Since last week volunteers from the About Face program of the Rawhide Boys Ranch outside of New London to aid Baird. It's one of the groups tapped into by Lori Renning, who coordinates the volunteer assistance program.

Baird's basement possessions had filled the front lawn at least five times, said Capt. Nathaniel Melton of About Face. His youth took out much of the heavy items including water heaters and computers from the basement.

"It's all about helping people get he stuff out that they can't," he said.

Medical reasons make it especially a challenge for people who are disabled or elderly to clear out their flooded basements, said Lea Kitz, executive director of the Arc Winnebago County Disability Association.

Following the flood, the Arc received calls from clients who had special clean-up needs, but didn't have family or friends that could help,

That's when Kitz realized that there wasn't a system to provide aid for individuals who weren't able to clean up flood damage themselves. She contacted the Winnebago County Office of Emergency Management and they created Renning's emergency short-term position. She will continue to do the job through July 18.

Renning's volunteers have aided at least 17 residences in Oshkosh, including Baird's.

"The special needs population was starting to be overlooked and they need the additional help," she said. "That is the group that we don't want to overlook and we have plenty of people who have good hearts."

Once the basement is empty, the volunteers will also bleach the walls for Baird. They will continue to work on her home until the job is done, Melton said.

Baird said greatly appreciates all the help and said that this temporary program was wonderful.

"These guys are my saviors," she said.

Aldrich M. Tan: (920) 426-6663 or atan@thenorthwestern.com.

For more information

To volunteer your services or consider your home for the service, contact Lori Renning at (920) 420-8433.