Residents of Caldwell County seek to rebuild in wake of tornado damage

CALDWELL COUNTY, N.C. — People in Caldwell County are working to rebuild their homes and community in the wake of a tornado that ravaged the area in early October.

Matt Jones showed Channel 9 what's left of his home along Mt. Herman Road. There is so much damage to the house that he has no choice but to tear it down.  Jones, like others in the community, doesn't have insurance to cover the losses.

"The federal assistance would be wonderful for the people in this area,” Jones said. “I know this isn't an area that has a lot of money. We're hometown people and we work jobs and it would be a great help to us."

The storm damaged nearly one hundred homes, including the one owned by Michael Presnell. He said he’s thankful to be alive after retreating inside his home during the tornado, only to watch his front porch end up in his backyard. He, too, doesn't have insurance and hopes the federal government steps in.

"I'm to the point that I can't afford a new porch or steps, or fix my windows because I barely make enough money as it is," Presnell said.

Caldwell County leaders said they believe the area should be declared a disaster zone, but it's up to the governor to make the request.  State emergency workers have visited Caldwell County, but the governor told Channel 9 a decision hasn't been made.

[PHOTOS: Storm damage from NC and SC counties]

"That kind of declaration, we have to look at all of the numbers to see if they add up,” Gov. Roy Cooper said. “We work closely with local authorities to see if that should be the case."

Local church groups, like Bethel Colony of Mercy, are connecting with those who need help through a website called crisiscleanup.org.

Aaron Horn's church and youth group spent this weekend helping homeowners. He explained how the website connects those who want to help with those who need it.

"It's a clearing house for volunteers, and also a clearing house for people who need help to come together," Horn said.

The governor told Channel 9 that he wants to help the people of Caldwell County in any way that he can, and has been talking with county commissioners. For now, the state is still working through the process.

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