COMMUNITY RALLIES AROUND NEIGHBOR IN NEED 

Local Businesses and Residents Help 82-Year- Old Woman Rebuild her Life 

     Over the past year, extreme weather has wreaked havoc on the home and life of Rincon resident Peggy Rouse, forcing her to seek temporary shelter multiple times and even requiring hospitalization. 

     Thanks to the efforts of county and city agencies and some generous neighbors, the 82-year-old will soon return to a home that’s getting better by the day with much-needed improvements. 

     Rouse has lived in the Hickory Knob neighborhood since the early ‘90s. Neighbor Leigh Carter said Rouse lived there with her mother until her mother passed away. Although Carter’s husband cut Rouse’s grass, they didn’t have much contact with her. “She kept to herself,” Carter said. 

     Rouse’s troubles began in late September 2024, after Hurricane Helene knocked out power in the area. She contacted Effingham County Emergency Management and spoke to Deputy Director Shanna A. Smith, asking if there was a cool place where she could stay until power was restored. Smith quickly responded to the call. 

     “The county had a cooling station set up at the Clarence Morgan gym,” Smith said. “I took her there until I could make other arrangements. After I made a phone call to Family Promise of the Coastal Empire, she was able to stay in their facility for a few days until she could return home.” 

      Smith returned to the home with Rouse and carried the woman’s bags through the front door. She was taken aback by what she saw. There was black mold and a sizable hole in the roof with remnants of a tattered tarp that was fighting a losing battle against the elements. 

     “The strong smell of mold and mildew hit me in the face along with the reality that sweet Ms. Peggy had been living in these conditions longer than I ever thought possible,” Smith said. “I offered to help connect her with resources to remedy this situation but could tell that Ms. Peggy was hesitant to let me linger for too long. For months I checked in with her periodically by calling or dropping by.” 

     The second weather challenge came with heavy snow and ice in January. Smith, recalling Rouse’s situation and a roof that had become severely damaged over time, helped arrange for Family Promise to house the octogenarian until the ice and snow melted. 

     The deteriorating roof created another problem in June. Water poured into Rouse’s living room and black mold continued to spread through most of the walls, ceiling, furniture and carpet throughout her home. Rouse realized she needed a roof repair, and Smith connected her with several agencies and programs that could possibly help her start the process. In the meantime, the area was hit with tremendous amounts of rain. 

     Smith dropped by to see Rouse after being out of town for 11 days. This time it was the woman’s appearance, rather than the home’s condition, that caught Smith’s attention. 

     “When she opened the door, there stood a woman who was defeated and at the breaking point,” Smith recalled. “She needed help desperately more than ever. Ms. Peggy ended up being admitted to the hospital that night for four days. There was no real progress on where Ms. Peggy would return after discharge. It was not safe for her to go back home.” 

     Upon her discharge from the hospital, Rouse returned to Family Promise and has stayed there for the past two months. Smith said Ms. Katrina Bostick and her team with Family Promise stepped up and welcomed Ms. Peggy with open arms, essentially saving her from transitioning to a homeless shelter. 

     “If you work in public service, you know that one of the most valuable assets you have are those connections you’ve made with people around you,” Smith said. “These are the people who work in the community you live in and who have proven to you time and again that they will do anything in their power to help those they serve. The love her community has shown for someone they have never met is beautiful to see.” 

     One individual who stepped forward to help Rouse is Michael Cannon, owner of Michael’s Roofing. He learned of Rouse’s situation through a friend, Matt Evans, and went to her home within an hour. Cannon said he couldn’t believe the condition of the roof and knew right then he was going to fix it, no questions asked. 

     “I called up my long-term supplier, Superior Distribution, and asked for the materials,” Cannon said. “They donated the shingles, and I donated the rest of the supplies and labor. I was thankfully in a position to help with the financial and labor aspects of this project. I am blessed to be in a position where I have the resources necessary to help my community and I will continue to serve it the best that I can.” 

     Marissa Carter, the company’s operations manager and Cannon’s granddaughter, said her grandfather informed her of Rouse’s predicament and asked if she could schedule the job as soon as possible. The following week, Cannon’s crew showed up at Rouse’s home. 

     “I couldn’t believe the situation and knew that once the replacement was complete, she was one step closer to getting to go home,” Marissa said. “Mike has such a caring heart and he knows that the Lord will provide. We were thankful to be a part of this project and wish Ms. Rouse all our best here at Michael’s Roofing.” 

     Matt Evans earns an assist for informing Michael Cannon about the condition of Rouse’s home. The owner of Centaur Home Renovations accessed the home through Smith. 

     “It was very sad,” Evans said. “It wasn’t the worst home I had ever seen but one of the worst with someone living in it. I knew right away I had to try and help, especially with an elderly neighbor. I made a Facebook post and started contacting some of my subcontractors. A neighbor is long-term friends with Mike, owner of Michael’s Roofing. He contacted Mike and the next week we had a new roof.” 

     So far, Evans noted, everything has been donated and $1,450 has been collected through a GoFundMe account he established. “My family and I love to give back when we can, especially when it’s a neighbor,” Evans said. “We are members of Rincon Church of God, where we volunteer, and I am a board member for Effingham YMCA. We have been blessed in many ways and try to return that blessing when we can.” 

     A number of local agencies helped remove items and damaged parts of Rouse’s home. These include Effingham Emergency Management Agency, Effingham County Fire and Rescue, Rincon Fire Department, and Effingham County Emergency Services. 

     Not only is Rouse getting a new roof, but she will also benefit from a new deck that will replace its dilapidated and unsafe predecessor. Additionally, contractors have offered to donate blinds and furniture and remove some of the many trees in her backyard so they won’t fall on her roof again. 

     Rouse has been out of her home since early July. Smith said the Rincon woman values her independence and knowing where everything is located. She remains grateful, however, for the way the community has come to her aid. 

     “Ms. Peggy told me that her faith in humanity has been restored,” Smith said. “What has happened over these last two months has been nothing short of a miracle. Her neighbors, who were unaware of the full situation, have really shown so much support for her and the outreach is amazing.” 

     Carter is among those who has taken to heart the command to love your neighbor. “The neighbors are very caring and have stepped up,” she said. “We’ll make sure she gets what she needs.” ■