Help showing up for storm victims

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Central Texas is drying out and cleaning up after storms and an EF-1 tornado ripped through Wednesday morning.

"Well, it could be really sad if you wanted it to be," said Terri Bennett, as she sat on the curb outside her home that is now missing part of the roof. Most of the items inside are damaged and still soaking wet.

"We are so blessed because we're not destitute," said Bennett. "We have homeowner's insurance, we're all alive, all of our pets are alive. Everything else is just stuff."

The American Red Cross came by to check on Bennett and her family Thursday morning.

"Do you have somewhere to stay?" asked Jose Dominguez, director of Emergency Services with the American Red Cross.

"Yes, I'm staying with my oldest daughter," Bennett replied.

"We're going to be able to provide you some financial assistance with food, clothing and lodging," said Dominguez."

Terri said, "Well, to be honest with you, we're covered with all that stuff. If you have money you've set aside for us and there's somebody else that needs it more, I'd rather you help them."

The Red Cross has already helped more than a dozen Central Texas families less fortunate who were affected by flooding.

"Somebody else out there is cold and wet and you can help them, for us, in our name. Ok?" said Bennett."

 "That's awesome, that's truly awesome," said Dominguez.

Crews were already clearing out the tree limbs their backyard. Insurance adjusters surveyed the damage inside.

Numerous neighbors who Terri and her husband had never met have been coming by offering a place to stay.

"It's so incredible," said Bennett. "So when they asked us if we want to rebuild, it's like who would want to leave this neighborhood?"