A group of Centre County residents who were left homeless this past Christmas due to a sinkhole in their neighborhood are now receiving some state funding assistance.
And they also have advice for homeowners and their insurance policies.
For the residents of 18 townhomes in the Georgetown Park Development in Patton Township, last Christmas, their holiday spirit caved in, literally.
“It was Christmas Eve; going to bed, waiting for Christmas Day, and then you find out your present is you don’t have a place to live. You have nowhere to go and no one to help.”
The sinkhole opened up in the development’s parking lot and has since been filled in, but problems remain.
“Since Christmas, my husband and I have been living out of our luggage at multiple, temporary locations.”
State Representative Scott Conklin is helping to secure $180,000 for those impacted by the sinkhole.
“So there’s very little restrictions on how they disperse the money. Whether its reimbursements or direct payments to contractors: it does allow for reimbursement for hotel costs.”
Some of the residents have been able to move back in.
“It’s been very frustrating. My insurance company hasn’t done anything.”
And those impacted by the incident are passing on advice for homeowners everywhere about your insurance policy, including a sinkhole provision.
“Look at your policy. Check it to make sure you’re covered.”
