GASTONIA, N.C. — A Gastonia family is asking the community for help after Tropical Storm Debby destroyed their home and buried their car under debris that fell in the yard on Thursday.
Debby brought torrential rain to the Carolinas, causing widespread power outages and flooding across the Charlotte area. The storm also took down trees all over the region, damaging homes, cars and buildings in its path. The storm was also blamed for a deadly tornado in Wilson County.
Elizabeth Combs said the sound of soaked carpet isn't what you want to hear when you're walking around the house.
"I mean you're just sloshing through," Combs told WCNC Charlotte's Tradesha Woodard.
It's a noise she can't escape after rain drenched her floors, destroying her home and burying her car under debris. And while the rain has stopped, Combs still needs a place to stay.
"I'm glad the rain has slowed down, but we cannot stay here," she said. "I need to know what's next for us."
After accepting the reality that she needed a new place to stay, Combs started making some calls.
"I have renters insurance and that's what it says on my lease," Combs said. "The landlord called and said it's not renters insurance, it's actually tenants insurance, so anything that's in the house that's destroyed, they're not responsible for."
Combs said she reached out to the Red Cross was faced even more roadblocks.
"They told me because this had not been declared a disaster area, there aren't any shelters set up," Combs said.
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Combs was told the nearest shelter was in Fayetteville but with no transportation, it wasn't a realistic option for her family.
"I just feel like a burden," Combs said. "There is nowhere to go for help."
On Friday after WCNC Charlotte's story aired, the Red Cross' regional communications manager contacted WCNC Charlotte to say: "We just wanted to update that we have reached back out to Elizabeth Combs to make sure she has a place to stay and let her know we'll be out to see her in a day or two. We've also put her in contact with local officials who might be able to help her."
As Combs surveyed the damage left behind by Debby, she couldn't help but think about her 9-year-old daughter.
"Security is important for kids and she doesn't have any right now," Combs said.
As Combs continues to look for assistance, she and her daughter are asking the community for help. She says anything helps, whether it's simply removing limbs or making a donation.
To donate to help the Combs, you can give to the following: Cash App: $SelfCreatedLife
Contact Tradesha Woodard at twoodard1@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.