Nearly a month after the severe storm that struck San Antonio on Aug. 28, West Side resident Maria Salazar is still working to restore her yard and home. The storm, which CPS Energy identified as one of the hardest‑hit areas, sent trees and debris crashing onto her property off Merida Street near South Zarzamora Street.
Financial strain and city assistance
Salazar told reporters she had to withdraw more than $10,000 from her 401(k) to cover immediate repairs, saying, “We don’t have $10,000 just sitting in our account, right? I’m going to tell you, it’s been more than $10,000.” The city did send crews to pick up brush at no cost, but a large tree trunk remained on the curb, and Salazar says subsequent requests for help went unanswered.
City representative’s response
When Salazar followed up, a city employee reportedly told her, “Life’s not fair,” a comment she described as “kicking me while I’m down.” She said the response made the situation feel even more unjust, adding, “Two days after that, the information changed. And I said, but that’s not fair … I had to take out from my 401(k).”
Official city statement
City officials held a press conference on Aug. 30, noting they received thousands of calls that weekend and worked around the clock to clear debris and check on the most impacted residents. The administration emphasized its commitment to restoring neighborhoods quickly, but Salazar’s experience highlights gaps in communication and follow‑up for some homeowners.
Community support
Despite her frustration with the municipal response, Salazar praised the neighborhood’s solidarity. “Luckily the community came together,” she said. “People that we didn’t even know, you know, ‘Hey, are y’all OK? Yes, we’re good, thank you,’ but it was just the community that we had to look out for each other.”
Financial assistance options
Homeowners who need additional help can apply for low‑interest federal disaster loans through the Small Business Administration. Applications are available online at sba.gov/disaster, or callers can reach the SBA Customer Service Center at 800‑659‑2955 or email [email protected] for more information.
Looking ahead
As San Antonio continues to assess storm damage, residents like Salazar hope the city will improve its outreach and response protocols. The West Side’s experience underscores the importance of timely communication and equitable assistance in the wake of natural disasters.
Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
