Debra Ingenito, a 61-year-old widow living in Staten Island, had her home damaged by a second disaster- this time due to a house next door splitting in half and partially burying her property. She had previously rebuilt her home after it was damaged by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. She heard a loud boom and ran outside with her son to witness the destruction that had occurred. Her kitchen and second floor were damaged, and the house suffered cracks and structural issues as a result of the impact.
This latest disaster is not the first time that Ingenito has faced extraordinary challenges. Following Hurricane Sandy, her late husband, Joseph, gained national attention for decorating a Christmas tree with various items salvaged from the storm, including paper coffee cups, surgical masks, and a Hannah Montana bag. President Obama even gifted the family two ornaments for the tree, recognizing their resilience in the face of adversity. It took two years for their home to be fully restored after Hurricane Sandy.
The house next door to Ingenito was also badly damaged during the latest incident, with workers attempting to raise the first floor when the foundation gave out. The structure fell onto Ingenito’s home, leading to a partial vacate order being issued. Despite the damage, Ingenito is determined to stay in her home, fearing theft if it is left unoccupied and having nowhere else to go. She is being supported by various individuals as she navigates the process of rebuilding without her husband, who passed away in July.
Dealing with multiple losses and facing yet another rebuilding process, Ingenito remains optimistic and relies on her faith to get her through the challenges ahead. She acknowledges the silver lining of the situation, believing that her husband was watching over her when the house next door collapsed, preventing a potentially worse outcome. Ingenito plans to take things day by day as she works towards repairing the damage to her home and overcoming the recent hardships she has faced.
Ingenito’s journey serves as a testament to the resilience and strength of individuals facing adversity. Despite experiencing multiple disasters and losses, she remains determined to rebuild and restore her home. The support of her community and faith in her ability to overcome challenges continue to guide Ingenito as she works towards recovering from the recent damage to her property and facing an uncertain future. Her story is a reminder of the importance of perseverance and hope in the face of life’s unexpected obstacles.
