GALVESTON — No one knows what will happen to people already homeless before Hurricane Ike hit once a Red Cross tent city closes in two weeks.
Before Hurricane Ike slammed into Galveston Island, about 60 transients spent nights at the Salvation Army building, 2228 Broadway. But as Ike roared ashore, the building was inundated with 5 feet of floodwater that fried its electrical system and destroyed everything on the first floor.
Because of extensive damage sustained during the hurricane, the Salvation Army building won’t be able to reopen for at least two to three months, said Maj. Elda Flores, director.
In the meantime, 100 of the Salvation Army’s clients are living in Red Cross’ tent city shelter behind Alamo Elementary School, 5200 Avenue N1/2, Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas said at a city news conference Monday.
The Salvation Army has been helping the community by serving meals but has not rehabilitated its building to begin accepting its clients again, Thomas said.
She said the Salvation Army needs to pick up its clients before the tent city closes Oct. 26 and find them suitable housing.
Flores says there’s no way she can house anyone at the destroyed building.
“I heard they want to pressure me to open my shelter but I can’t,” she said.
During the hurricane, the Salvation Army’s administrative offices, chapel, classrooms, storage warehouse and Thrift Store were filled with water above the doorknobs of each room, officials said.
Officials have gutted the building and are now beginning the process of replacing all of the electrical systems.
Crews have to essentially rebuild the first floor from scratch, Flores said.
