Homeowners wonder where to turn first in wake of flood damage

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Flood waters destroyed 400 homes in just a Westbury neighborhood, while the cleanup is under way, people are wondering what happens now.

One month after moving in, Caitlin McVey is cleaning up her flood damaged Westbury home.

McVey said, "The bayou is right behind our house, so we actually got flooded from both the back and the front."

Work is already under way at McVey's home. It's the same thing up and down Beaudry Drive. Something else these home owners face, not really knowing what comes next.

McVey said, "We are all kind of talking to each other and, 'Ok, what is your insurance company telling you?' 'This is what mine is, or talking to so and so and they recommended this or that', so we are kind of relying on each other right now."

To help home owners and renters get federal disaster aid, FEMA is setting up a free workshop at the Jewish Community Center on South Braeswood Boulevard.

Jennifer Edmondson is with the Westbury Civic Club. She's making sure home owners here know about the meeting and encouraging people to find out what help is available right now.

"A lot of our elderly residents do not have flood insurance, and those are the people who we are really trying to get out and help," Edmondson said.

Those who have flood insurance are urged to call their insurance agent to get the process started, but other assistance may be available. Any help is appreciated by those who lost so much of their lives to flood waters.

McVey said, "We are just kind of hearing from each other what's going on and who to contact so it would be helpful to hear it from someone kind of official."

That meeting with FEMA is tonight at 7 at the Jewish Community Center at 5601 South Braeswood Boulevard.