CONROE, Texas – River Plantation in Conroe is a community with a significant elderly population. Many lack the physical capability and financial resources to restore their homes are such a devastating flood.
“It’s just going to be a slow process,” Laura Lawhon Butler said.
She added that it’s hard to know where to start when you don’t have the strength to fix everything, and it’s even tougher when you’re caring for your husband who can no longer take care of himself.
“When they came with the bullhorns and telling everybody to get out and with three dogs and a husband with dementia, we had to leave because he wouldn’t be able to cope. I would probably have lost him in it somewhere,” Butler said.
Laura’s story is not unique. Many in the River Plantation community in Conroe are elderly and physically unable to tackle the extensive cleanup that’s required after such a flood. “We’ve flooded twice since Harvey. The water is very powerful. I’m glad we weren’t here.
KPRC 2′s Andy Cerota and photojournalist Jeovany Luna spent time with Laura, helping her clean out the curio cabinet that houses her valuable glassware.
“We have to wrap stuff,” Butler said. “We just went and got the supplies. They’re all delicate things. Helping Laura was a reminder of how much a little bit of support can mean. “It’s the one thing about River Plantation. I think that’s why we stay. It’s really a community. Everyone sticks together. People help.”