QUITTMAN, Ga. (WALB) – Nearly a month after Hurricane Helen, one Quitman business is just reopening as it waits for federal funds to help rebuild its building.
Reel is a coffee shop in downtown Quitman that works with PhilanthroFilms, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and developing the local workforce in the film industry.
“It’s really more than just a coffee house. It’s really a place where the whole community comes together. It’s literally the only coffee house in the community,” says Honnie Korngold, co-founder of PhilanthroFilms.
After being closed for three weeks after Hurricane Helen blew off its roof, the coffee shop reopened on Saturday, Oct. 19, in preparation for hurricane rebuilding.
“By the grace of God, the coffee and espresso makers and all the machinery remained undamaged and did not get hit by the rain like the rest of the building,” Korngold said.
The coffee shop needs to replace its roof, floors, drywall and paint, but is awaiting the release of additional funding from the Small Business Administration to help with the recovery process.
The coffeehouse needs to replace its roof, floors, drywall and paint, but is awaiting the release of additional funds from the Small Business Administration to aid in the recovery process. (Source: WALB)
“We hope it will be available after the election. The SBA has been very proactive in terms of assisting with getting applications and making sure that funds are pre-approved when they become available.” They’ll be available soon and we’ll definitely need them,” Korngold said.
She said they were able to work with the building owner to complete the work before funding was approved to be ready to open for the holiday season.
“Work will be completed over the next few weeks and we will be ready for a big kick-off event to welcome everyone back here in November,” she said.
Brooks County EMA is working to establish a disaster recovery center for residents and businesses to meet with federal officials about disaster recovery.
On Wednesday, October 23, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) began operations in Brooks County to assist homeowners in applying for and requesting federal assistance.
The Brooks County Emergency Management Agency said FEMA personnel were able to assist residents in Troubleville and Quitman City before heading to other areas, including Dixie, Morven and Pabo.
“There are about 115 homes that we reported, so FEMA is contacting the people who originally reported to me and all the others who came after. You are not forgotten, those People are coming to you,” LaToya Hampton said. Brooks County Emergency Management Director.
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