Oklahoma Tornado Victims Face More Hurdles Trying To Rebuild

Mary Rose Marshall just got a new mobile home through a FEMA grant, but hasn't been able to move in because she says her homeowners association didn't approve it.

Tuesday, June 18th 2013, 8:57 pm

By: News 9


Thursday marks one month since the deadly tornadoes in Shawnee and Moore. As victims begin the rebuilding process some of them are facing more hurdles.

In Moore, the city council passed a resolution that means residents now have a waiting period before they can rebuild. In other areas hit by the tornadoes, there's still some confusion about what to do with their property.

When devastating tornadoes ripped through Bethel Acres May 19, Steelman Estates mobile home park was destroyed. Now, nearly a month later, piles of debris still stand in just about every lot.

5/20/2013 Related Story: Daybreak Brings Heartbreaking Look At Oklahoma Tornado Damage

Mary Rose Marshall and her extended family owned seven homes here. They lost five. She's raising her 14-year-old cousin, and the storage shed that was behind their home is all that's left.

"Some of our friends are living in campers or RVs on their properties," Marshall said.

She just got a new mobile home through a FEMA grant, but hasn't been able to move in because she says her homeowners association didn't approve it.

"It's frustrating," Marshall says. "The only thing in the bylaws says that it has to be 700 square feet."

News 9 spoke with the association. Like many neighborhoods, they're still trying to clear debris before allowing people to rebuild.

"We can use all the help we can get. We're fighting an uphill battle," Marshall said.

Marshall is ready to get settled into her new home

"I bought the mobile home, and I've just got to get back to life," Marshall said.

Of course, the rules for rebuilding vary depending where you live, but in the city of Moore, residents will have to wait up to 45 days before they're allowed to rebuild their homes on their property.

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