Volunteer helps neighbors recover from flooding in Guerneville
Nov 26, 2024
GUERNEVILLE, Calif. (KRON) – As residents of the North Bay continue to recover from last week’s storms, a volunteer with a nonprofit is going above and beyond to help people affected by the floods.
Jenniffer Wertz spent her Tuesday driving around Guerneville and surrounding river towns, dropping off essentials including sump pumps, gas cans and generators. Wertz is a community volunteer with the Russian River Alliance – a nonprofit that provides disaster relief services.
Michael Gomez and Melissa Adams are two neighbors who live on Neeley Road – a low-lying area that’s prone to flooding. Wertz had helped them both on Friday when they say flood waters took over their cul-de-sac without a warning.
‘Political stunt’: Tesla exclusion from state EV tax credit proposal pits San Jose mayor against Newsom
“I ain’t never seen that. I’m a country boy and I ain’t never seen water coming that fast,” Gomez said.
Gomez says he would have lost his trailer in the flood if Wertz hadn’t called a tow for it. He and Adams are calling Wertz their “Guardian Angel.”
Adams said Friday’s flood destroyed her trailer’s battery bank. She’s been using a portable dryer to dry her drenched home.
Tuesday was her first time having heat after Wertz dropped off a generator.
“She was like first on-site. She has went around to each and every person asking what she can do, she’s been connecting us to the right people,” Adams said.
Wertz says she loves her community and will do anything she can to help.
“Living out here is not easy, and so it feels nice to be able to help them,” she said.
Wertz has helped 20-25 families since Friday. She said throughout the week she will be busy with a couple more local requests, but for immediate flood needs, she urges people to reach out to Sonoma County.