When the Loyalsock Creek in Lycoming County overflowed in September last year, it did more than just damage property. It uprooted lives.
Half a year later, flood victims are planting new roots and with a newborn son.
Tim Harer and his girlfriend, Jenn, walked hand-in-hand toward the place they will soon call home in Williamsport. Once the sale is final, the couple, along with baby Grayson who was born on Valentine's Day, will move in all these months after losing their home to the flood.
In September, Newswatch 16 met Tim and Jenn after their home north of Montoursville was swept away by the Loyalsock Creek. The couple was expecting Grayson then, and had just lost everything.
"We loved living out there, on the creek. We weren't ready to go, that's the toughest part," said Harer.
For the last six months, Tim and Jenn have been living with family and looking for a place to call home. With a new baby on board, they have found what they were looking for in Williamsport, starting a new life together away from that flood ravaged area.
"It's not just us, there are still people homeless. I think they said over 100 people without homes. Our stretch where we were, everybody packed up and left," added Harer.
The couple has been living day-to-day, searching for a new home in a housing market short on rentals. Not to mention they would be completely starting over. But as Tim explained, even though they lost so much, he has Jenn and little Grayson and is thankful for the outpouring of support from the community since the flood.
"We hang out every day, talk about it, and still cry. It will be okay," said Harer.
Now all that stands between them and their new home is a little paperwork and remodeling, a much smaller obstacle than the one they have already overcome.
