Minden woman displaced after storm rips roof off home

MINDEN, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – A storm on March 5th forced a Minden woman out of her home after her roof was ripped off. Bobbie Williams says she woke up at 3 a.m. to the strong winds, and while making a call to family, her roof came off while she was standing at the front door.

“It was scary. Real scary. I didn’t know the extent of the damage until my brother-in-law brought me back over here. I looked out in my yard, my roof was lying in my yard. Nothing but a big hole at the top,” said Minden resident Bobbie Williams.

Williams called her niece, Falicia Wright, who was worried for her safety.

“The first thing I could think about was ‘Oh my Lord, let her get out safely.’ I just wanted to make sure that she was safe. She was just talking to us about how the trailer seemed like it was coming apart, and when we did get down here, we saw that the whole roof was off,” said Wright.

Williams’ home has a tarp draped and tied down. It was put on by her brother-in-law and nephews. Inside, the house has holes that let water leak, as well as mold on the roof. Williams does not stay at the residence, but her belongings are still there.

“Mostly back there in the back bedroom, because you know it doesn’t rain back there, so I put all my clothes and stuff back there. And come over here and get them as I need them,” said Williams.

Wright says she receives texts from Williams every day and knows it is an emotional time.

“She thinks that some of the people who she felt like would have come out and helped her did not come out and help her. So right now, we’re just hoping that everybody comes together and helps her so she can get back in her home,” said Wright.

Williams works part-time and says she does not have the money to pay for a new roof.

“I’m hoping to get back in my house because I don’t know, I just feel comfortable over here. My husband, we were staying in that trailer before my husband died, but they were good enough to let me have this trailer so I wouldn’t have to pay no rent,” said Williams.

The family says, “Every donation makes a difference. Your support and prayers mean the world to us during this difficult time.”

To support, you can donate to the family here.