A Volusia County family that is desperate for help claims the Federal Emergency Management Agency turned them down after their home sustained major damage during Hurricane Matthew.

  • Tree crashed through the Inman family's rental home in Edgewater
  • Chris Inman said they reached out to FEMA, but haven't received help
  • The family has been without power since the storm passed Volusia

"Our headboard, our bed and everything was set up underneath the window," said Chris Inman, as he pointed out where a large tree fell on the roof over the master bedroom inside the Edgewater home they rent.

The tree fell on their rental home on Royal Palm Drive as the hurricane passed off the Volusia County coast Oct. 7.

Inman said he was playing with his granddaughter inside the bedroom when he decided to take her into the living room. But he forgot one of the toys, and his wife, Stephanie, went back into the room.

"She grabbed the toy off the bed, made (it to the) doorway ... and the tree came down behind her," Inman said, adding that — thankfully — no one was injured.

The family rents the home from a homeowner who contacted a company to remove the tree with a crane. The Inmans have been living without the essentials, like electricity, since the storm passed.

They also have a large blue tarp draped over the home. It is supposed to cover the roof and keep the wind and rain out. The trap is being held down by concrete that came off of the wall when the tree crashed into the home.

Inman said the tarp has been replaced twice.

The family contacted FEMA for help, but the response they received isn't what they were expecting.

"They didn't talk to us in person, they just sent an email and told (us) that we were being turned down as far as help," Inman said.

FEMA representative John Mills, who investigated the family's situation, said in most cases, FEMA will provide help when a family needs a safe, temporary shelter.

"My worst nightmare would be the fact of the house is unstable, the house is unsound and then maybe the rest of it will come down," Inman said. "I worry about our lives every day, but I don't have anywhere to go."

The Inmans were instructed to call FEMA back with a description of all the damage, the stability of the home, and details about their renter's insurance. Inman said they have insurance, but it will only cover 10 percent of their damages, which he estimates at around $18,000.


(Saul Saenz, staff)