Block party planned to help Oakmont Commons flood victims

Aug. 1--A fundraiser is being planned to help Oakmont Commons residents impacted by recent floods.

At least 20 homes sustained major water damage, and three vehicles were totaled as a result of severe storms.

It was one of the hardest hit areas in the borough when the heaviest rains that fell late July 21 into early July 22.

"We're all rebuilding and trying to do what we can do," said resident Jill Tabis. "It's crazy. The people who've been through this before are trying to help the newbies. It's a club that none of us really want to be part of. Who would buy a home that flooded twice?"

A block party is set for Aug. 10 from 1-4 p.m. at Greenwich Court, the cul-de-sac off Commons Drive.

Resident Barbara Fisher is one of the organizers. She's observed the damage, but her home was not flooded out.

"I've seen a lot of this and it really concerns me," she said. "It's heartbreaking when neighbors get flooded and have to tear down their living rooms, photo albums. It's just gut wrenching."

Multiple borough businesses have donated to the event.

Activities include live entertainment, food from various restaurants, prizes and a Chinese auction.

"We're trying to help our neighbors, and we've had a tremendous response from the community in Oakmont," Fisher said. "It's been really fantastic. This is a small, close-knit community and we have to do something to help our neighbors. It's not going to be enough to cover every peoples loses, but every little bit helps."

Tabis said Commons homes were built on concrete slabs and don't have basements. Some folks had several feet of water in their first-floor living spaces.

She was one of those residents, but was not home the weekend of the heavy storms.

"I drove home to the mess and to people who were evacuated," she said. "I don't care if you have insurance or not, it's still a loss. It's a loss of time. It's a loss of money."

Tabis hopes the block party will give residents a time to relax and have some fun instead of worrying about water.

"It's a very, very kind and appreciated gesture," Tabis said. "It's really nice for the people in the community and surrounding homes and companies to be very supportive."

Volunteers are still wanted for the event. Call 412-310-1773 for more information.

A GoFundMe page was also established to help out Oakmont Commons residents. That page can be found at gofundme.com/f/oakmont-commons-flood-relief.

Michael DiVittorio is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Michael at 412-871-2367, [email protected] or via Twitter .

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