LAKEPORT >> The Seventh Day Adventist Church might not be home for some Lakeport residents, but at least you don’t have to swim through the doors.
Lakeport Police put out a mandatory evacuation for several low-lying residential areas on Monday as lake levels rose to dangerous levels, forcing many residents to find temporary overnight housing. The evacuation specifically affected Lucky Four Trailer Resort, Willow Point Resort, Aqua Village Mobile Home Park and Esplanade Street between Main Street and K Street.
This was followed on Tuesday by notices urging residents at other areas along the lake, including Clearlake Oaks and the keys, to evacuate.
To help evacuees, the county set up additional resources at the existing Warming Center, located at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Lakeport.
“There’ll be more people tonight,” said the church’s Pastor, Randy Brehms, on Tuesday as he surveyed the “Great Room,” a supplies-filled space currently acting as a dining area, dormitory and recreation center. “At this point,” he continued, “we’re moving as the emergency dictates.”
According to his numbers, 40 people stayed overnight in his church, nearly double the usual amount. In anticipation of higher lake levels and more fierce winds, the church has prepared for the worst.
The Warming Center acts as an overnight homeless shelter, legally capable of caring for up to 24 people per night. But with an official emergency status in effect, officials asked the church to set up for extra individuals, families and of course, household pets.
“If I’m stressed, he’s stressed,” Stefen Rotter said, pointing to his American Bulldog, Yogi. Rotter and Yogi left their flooded cabin on Lakeshore Boulevard to spend the night at the church. “It’s very stressful; I never drink this much coffee.”
A painter by trade, Rotter made sure to move his artworks up high, where the waters couldn’t wreck them. He left the church to check up on his house yesterday morning, but waters proved too high to cross.
“The waters about this high in my house,” he said, placing a hand about a foot and a half above the Great Room carpet. “I can’t get in.”
Rotter said he’s never spent the night in a shelter. The experience of sleeping near strangers on an army surplus cot beats the alternative.
Brehms said the shelter now operates on a 24-7 basis with the help of the Red Cross and several dedicated volunteers. Privacy comes in short supply in the temporary housing. But the shelter covers basic amenities, including three square meals per day, courtesy of a fully equipped industrial kitchen. Residents can also take showers and do limited amounts of laundry.
Granted, the pastor will need to keep an eye on the church’s sewage usage, which relies on a septic system.
Brehms said his church currently has 92 cots for people, and ample space exists for more. So far, the Red Cross has provided plenty of support.
“If we need more supplies, we can get more,” said Red Cross employee Jeffrey Plank.
Lucky Four Trailer Resort resident Brian Murray said his home near the water has kept far enough away from the water to stay dry, but the six-foot breakers that pummeled the nearby seawall during Monday night’s storm nudged him and his wife into staying overnight at the church. As long-time residents of Florida, they’ve seen what storms can do. Moreover, Murray’s wife once had a redwood tree crash through the roof of her home in Washington.
“We’re self contained,” Murray said. “But we figured we’d volunteer our time while we’re here, anyway. Everyone was so culminating.”
Murray said his family proves lucky. Flooded homes and property could have some serious financial effect on Lake County residents.
Brehms said he agreed; he hopes the emergency won’t see an influx of more permanent residents.
“There are thousands in this community who are one paycheck, one disaster away from being homeless,” he said, referring to the temporary solace his church might provide. “We’re trying. It’s something that needs to be done, so we’re doing it.”
Pastor Randy Brehms and coworkers check a family into the Great Room.
Stefen Rotter’s dog, Yogi next to his owner’s cot.
