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Jackson mother struggles to find safe housing after storm

By Cameron Smith Feb 1, 2024 | 12:19 PM

JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – A Jackson mother of five is trying to find a safe place to house her family after last week’s storm.

A large tree fell on Judy Williams’ HUD home on Maplewood Drive, leaving her without water or power.

“The next thing we heard was these trees coming through the house. We woke up to no water, no lights or anything. It missed my oldest son by an inch,” she said.

The tree caused damage to the house, roof, kitchen and several cars. The damage is so extensive that Williams and her five children needed an immediate place to stay.

She talked with the out-of-state landlord, who put her in a hotel for four days. Her landlord offered a home to stay in that’s located a few streets over, but Williams said it wasn’t fit to live in.

“He’s supposed to be moving us to another house that has to be inspected by HUD, but there’s no lights, no gas, no water on there,” she said.

Williams said she takes her children to a nearby business that allows them to cleanup before school.

“To make sure my kids smell good enough to go to school, and a manager actually unlocks the doors and let them, you know, do what they need to do,” she said.

WJTV 12 News reached out tot he landlord. An assistant said she would be in touch with the Jackson property manager, who would call our news station. We are still waiting to hear back.