BUCKNER, Mo. — Historic flooding has forced hundreds of people out of their homes and many of them are staying in temporary shelters.
Jessica Scott and her family fled their home Saturday after two levees breached.
"We barely got out before the water even started coming into our house," Scott said.
In a rush, people living in Levasy, Missouri, and surrounding areas only grabbed a few items to take with them.
"I've got four T-shirts and a couple pairs of shorts and that's about it," Jeanne Lischer, pastor at Ebeneezer United Church of Christ, said.
With much of Levasy underwater, people are staying with friends and family or at nearby shelters. The American Red Cross is set up at the Buckner United Methodist Church.
"A lot of people are coming in and just eating," Carolyn Frost, shelter manager, American Red Cross, said. "Some are coming in and sharing information, and sometimes they're just coming in and getting toiletries."
Pastor Linda Wansing said she had no hesitation in opening the church to families affected by the water.
"It's a place for them to come and sleep; It's a place for them to come and have something to eat; It's a place maybe most importantly, a place they can come and see fellow residents that are now scattered," Wansing said.
As of Tuesday, 11 people were sleeping at the shelter overnight. Frost said they have the capability of taking in up to 45. Several agencies are working together to meet everyone's needs.
As emergency officials monitor the floodwaters over the next few days, flood victims said they are thankful to have the support of the community.
"It shows how great people really are and who really cares about you in these times," Scott said. "It sucks but you have to take the good with the bad."
