DOLORES' Story
"After the flood their smiles were gone and the ones who were left kept to themselves, never smiling, never even saying hello." - Dolores
On July 4th 2025, 15 inches of rainfall was recorded across West and Central Texas causing the Concho River to overflow its banks, damaging over 12,000 structures including the home of Octavio and Delores. Their entire neighborhood was flooded and many residents had abandoned their homes with no way of repairing the damage on their own. Octavio and Delores tried their best to dry out their furniture, flooring, and drywall but by the time CRR arrived 7 weeks later extensive mold had set into every room. Octavio was working countless hours and unable to work on his own home. Meanwhile, Delores was becoming ill. Having nowhere else to go they had no choice but remain in their flooded home managing as best they could.
Once our team arrived we quickly took action. We began removing damaged furniture and debris while uncovering layers of flooring and drywall. It seemed as soon as we removed one layer of flooring another layer was revealed. Even the walls had several layers of drywall and plaster. Every effort was made to salvage the original wood floors. However, in the end the decision was made to remove them so Delores and her family could live in a healthy environment.
Delores making the team lunch.
As our work in their home progressed from gutting to rebuilding we noticed a change in Delores and Octavio. They were always welcoming but their smiles came easier and their excitement was apparent when they saw fresh drywall being installed. After a hard days work came to an end and as we sat together over an amazing meal Delores prepared she began telling us the story of her neighborhood. “Before the flood (her neighborhood) was filled with friends sharing meals and everyone celebrated holidays together. Everyone was happy and full of joy. We were like family. But, after the flood their smiles were gone and the ones who were left kept to themselves, never smiling, never even saying hello. Now, I look forward to [the CRR team] coming here every day! Thank you for bringing the smiles back!” and she promised to spread smiles back into her neighborhood once again. Since we completed our mission in San Angelo, other teams have stepped in to paint the new drywall and install new flooring. “Thank you very much for your help and your team… We appreciate your help greatly. God bless you all”
"I look forward to [the CRR team] coming here every day! Thank you for bringing the smiles back!”
- Dolores
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