More than 30 years of family memories are at risk for San Juanita Torres after a violent storm tore through San Antonio, leaving her family’s home with severe damage and raising concerns about whether it is still safe to live in.
High winds and heavy rain caused widespread damage to houses across nearly all parts of the city. As cleanup continues, some homeowners are facing more serious problems than downed limbs and debris.
Torres and her mother, Elizabeth Villareal, live at the corner of South Minter and Santiago Street, along with Torres’ special-needs brother and Villareal’s husband, who has Alzheimer’s.
Inside the home, cracks now line many walls and the ceiling. Walking through the damage, Torres said, “It’s bad.”
During the storm, the house lost power, forcing the family to throw out all of their food.
The family has received some help from a donation station across the street, but they are still trying to figure out what comes next as they worry about the cost of repairs and whether the home can be made safe again.
Villareal said, “I don’t wanna go through this. I had to rent a room on Saturday.”
Torres said the situation affects her entire household: “For my kids, for my dad, for her, and my dad and my brother.” She added, “I just want a little bit of help for them, not for me.”
The family is asking the community for any help as they try to move forward.