The first Sunday of the new year is always a historically busy day at Greater New Salem Primitive Baptist Church in Tampa. But while it's a day all about fresh starts, the more than a century-old church can't shake the destruction left from last year.
- Churches now allowed to apply for FEMA assistance
- Tampa church damage during Irma to apply
- Pastor says it could cost $60K to repair damages
Last September, Irma's hurricane-force winds ripped the steeple off. Inches of rain badly damaged the wooden floor inside, making the balcony almost unusable.
"Mayor Buckhorn came by and visited with us and said it was one of the worst rounds of damage that he saw in the city," explained Pastor Benjamin Curry.
At the time, places of worship weren't eligible for FEMA assistance. It was a question over the separation of church and state, and one that caused heartache for Pastor Curry.
"When you got other places that are being able to reestablish, it's somewhat discomforting to know that it's not being made available for everybody," he said.
The church has received a few quotes on how much replacing the steeple would cost and they say it could range from $30,000 to $52,000. But Pastor Curry said the total cost with fixing the floors and structural damage is closer to $60,000.
Their prayers were answered last week when FEMA reversed the policy that prevents places of worship from having access to disaster relief funds. The decision came after three Texas churches damaged in Hurricane Harvey sued FEMA over religious discrimination.
Pastor Curry said he plans to move forward this week with filing for assistance and is eager to see what kind of help they are eligible for.