The aftermath of May’s storms has left families in southeast Texas with the daunting task of rebuilding their homes, further complicating the lives of those who were already struggling to make ends meet. The damage caused by the severe weather has become a significant obstacle for these families, forcing them to redirect their time and resources towards reconstruction efforts.
Currently, the Romero family is residing in a motel.
Ada Argueta shared that their group consists of 17 individuals who are currently residing in a hotel due to an unfortunate incident. She explained that a tree fell on their apartment’s roof, making it uninhabitable for the time being.
The apartment they lived in, located in northeast Houston, was completely destroyed.
Initially, they endured flooded floors, broken plumbing, and a lack of electricity, but the extreme heat was unbearable.
Last week, they opted to rent motel rooms.
Pedro Romero expressed that he has been experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions ranging from depression to sadness, and worry. He also shared that their primary focus has been on settling their hotel expenses amidst their current situation.
The Romeros are unable to stay at the motel as the money they earn from selling candy is not enough to cover their expenses.
It can be a time-consuming process to apply for FEMA assistance, and even after submitting an application, approval can take some time.
Time continues to pass as they patiently wait.
Junior Romero gazed at his younger siblings and other relatives and expressed his desire for a new home where they could unwind and enjoy their childhood without any worries. “I want them to relax and play like kids,” he said. Junior reminisced about his own childhood which mostly lacked fun and was filled with chaos. “Not worry. Like, be kids,” he added, emphasizing the importance of carefree childhood days.