Repton, Ala. – In the tiny town of Repton, volunteers have been working from dawn to dusk for the past six and a half days to care for neighbors still reeling from Hurricane Isaias. With 35% of the town still without power, residents are relying on one another and on nearby communities such as Atmore and McCollough for food, water and shelter.
Neighbors become first responders
Volunteer Chastity Stinson described the daily effort: “Whenever we came over Saturday to check on everything, we saw a lot of people trapped in their homes that needed food, so we started throwing food together for everybody and have pretty much just tried to keep people fed.” The donation center, housed in the volunteer fire department building, is run by Haleigh Bartlett, who says the town’s survival hinges on local generosity.
“Our biggest need right now is help from our federal and state political leaders. We have not seen anybody yet,” Bartlett said. “If it weren’t for our locals and our businesses, and even folks from surrounding communities, they have really stepped up and taken care of our need when it comes to supplies and hot food.”
Power outages and infrastructure damage
The local Emergency Management Agency (EMA) reported that as of Thursday afternoon, 35% of Repton’s households remain without electricity. Uprooted trees, broken gas lines, and busted water lines have compounded the crisis. Many residents rely on well water, which is now inaccessible without power.
Stinson explained, “Some of these people couldn’t use their gas stoves to cook. The gas lines were broken, water lines were busted. There’s a lot of people in this area that have well water, so without power they have no water.”
Historic buildings suffer severe loss
Among the most heartbreaking losses are the historic Carter Hospital and its adjoining barn, both dating back to the 1850s. Former mayor Terri Carter recounted the hospital’s legacy: “Carter Hospital was built in the 1850s by Mr. J.D. Moorer. It was turned into a hospital in 1935 and has served our community for generations.” The 100‑year‑old Carter family home survived, but the hospital and its barn appear to be totaled.
Other structures, such as an abandoned auto‑repair shop in the town’s center, also suffered extensive damage.
Restoration progress and ongoing needs
While the historic Carter Hospital remains in ruins, two other key sites—Evergreen and Castleberry—have been restored to about 95% as of Thursday evening. Unincorporated parts of Conecuh County are estimated to be 50% restored.
Local businesses and churches continue to provide hot meals, bottled water and generators. Volunteers are coordinating with the American Red Cross and the Alabama Emergency Management Agency to expedite FEMA damage assessments, which will unlock federal assistance for rebuilding.
How you can help
Residents are urged to donate non‑perishable food, bottled water, and basic supplies at the fire‑department donation center. Monetary contributions can be made through the town’s official disaster‑relief fund, which will be used to purchase generators, repair broken utilities and replace roofing materials.
“We are grateful for every hand that reaches out,” Bartlett said. “Together, we will rebuild Repton stronger than before.”
Original reporting: FOX10 WALA Mobile (news) — read the source article.
