ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Some families are really struggling to recover after storms last week brought tons of rain and hail leaving streets underwater.
The floodwaters came rushing into people's homes in Englewood, many of which were told not to bother getting flood insurance because the homes were not located in a flood zone.
The Sarazin family is one of many whose homes sustained severe damage. They told Denver7 it will cost them around $60,000 to repair following the floods.
Blowing in sheets, the wind and the water pushed into neighborhoods fast, knocking out the windows in Tim and Diane Sarazin's finished basement, flooding it to the ceiling. Diane, who is disabled and was home alone, started to panic.
"I texted my family that I loved them because the wind was so bad. I thought it was a tornado and we were just going to go because that's how bad it was," said Diane.
Her son Patrick and husband Tim rushed home.
"You just see all our stuff just floating around. It’s sad but all I was thinking about was if she was ok," said Patrick.
Tim believes the drainage may have failed in addition to the gate recently built at the end of the street, keeping the water on the street.
"I believe it was the gate and the retention pond that filled with debris," said Tim.
The water stopped at the top of the stairs, and once it started to dry out, Diane saw the damage.
"Losing your stuff. You know... stuff you can’t get back," said Diane.
The appliances, the walls, windows, flooring and carpet were all damaged and trashed in city provided dumpsters. It’s part of the cleanup more than a week since the July 24 storm. How long it will go on remains unclear.
"I just don't know how you're supposed to recover from all that, when you don't have the money to do it," said Diane.
The Sarazin family does not have flood insurance, like many Englewood families feeling the loss.
"I keep calling the insurance company to see if there's something they can do. You know you're not in a flood zone, they looked it up again to make sure," said Tim.
The family hopes to qualify for a grant from the city, but the amount would only be a drop in the bucket. For now, they're focusing on the good.
"The neighborhood has really come together. We feel comfortable crying in front of each other," said Tim.
If you would like to help the Sarazin family get back on their feet, head to their GoFundMe page.
