For 78-year-old Betty Daggons, owning a home was a dream that took decades to achieve. After years of hard work and saving money, she finally bought her first home at the age of 72. Sadly, that dream was shattered when a large oak tree crashed through her house in New Orleans East, leaving her without a safe place to live and facing an uncertain future.
Lifetime Dream Turned Into a Nightmare
Betty Daggons spent most of her life working hard to become a homeowner. She worked various jobs over the years, including more than 20 years at a truck stop, before finally purchasing a home of her own six years ago.
She said she always worried about a large oak tree standing in front of the property. Whenever heavy rain or thunderstorms were forecast, she would leave the house because she feared the tree could fall.
Unfortunately, her fears became reality on May 20 when the tree collapsed and crashed through her home.
Tree Crashes Through Home
Daggons recalled hearing a loud noise before seeing parts of the ceiling and roof come down around her. The tree fell directly into the front room, causing major damage throughout the property.
Despite the terrifying situation, she managed to escape safely. However, much of the home was left severely damaged, with debris scattered throughout several rooms.
The destruction has made the house unsafe to live in and left her struggling to decide what to do next.
Repeated Attempts to Remove the Tree
According to Daggons, she had been concerned about the tree’s condition for some time and made several calls seeking help to have it removed.
She said one person told her it would cost around $9,000 to cut down the tree, an amount she simply could not afford while living on a fixed income.
Without the money needed for removal, the tree remained standing until it eventually collapsed.
Facing Hardship Without Insurance
The situation has become even more difficult because Daggons does not have homeowners insurance. She depends on Social Security benefits and is also dealing with a heart condition.
Over the years, she has experienced significant personal loss, including the deaths of her son and granddaughter. Now, she is dealing with the emotional and financial impact of losing her home as well.
Since the incident, she has been staying with friends for short periods while trying to figure out a more permanent solution.
Thieves Target Damaged Property
As if the destruction of her home was not painful enough, Daggons said thieves entered the property the day after the tree fell.
According to her, they stole a newly purchased window air conditioner, toiletries, household supplies, a ring from her dresser, and even the walker that belonged to her late son.
The theft added another layer of heartbreak during an already difficult time.
Red Cross Provides Emergency Assistance
The American Red Cross stepped in to provide emergency support after learning about Daggons’ situation.
The organisation provided financial assistance that is helping her buy groceries and other necessities while she stays with friends.
Representatives from the Red Cross said they respond to all types of disasters and work to connect people with resources that can help them recover.
Help Arrives for Tree Removal
There was some positive news amid the challenges. The Red Cross announced that the fallen tree will be removed by the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief team.
Removing the tree is an important step toward assessing the full extent of the damage and determining whether repairs can be made.
For Daggons, the assistance offers a small sense of relief during a very difficult period.
Missing Family and Companionship
Beyond the damage to her home, Daggons is struggling emotionally with the loss of a place where family could gather.
She has 12 grandchildren and great-grandchildren who regularly visit from out of town. Now, she worries about not having a home where they can stay.
She also admits she has had trouble sleeping since the incident and prefers being around friends and loved ones rather than facing the situation alone.
