Strangers helping strangers after storm

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By Alanna Autler, Reporter - bio | email

Power has been restored to most areas of the state after the big storm that rocked the region on June 29, which means life has returned to normal for most people. But that is not the case for everyone.

Bob Vanderslice and his girlfriend traveled to Charleston on vacation, almost three weeks ago from Montgomery. He said they were staying in a Kanawha City hotel when the storm hit. But within a few days, they ran out of money.

Vanderslice and his girlfriend, Cindy, said they then stayed at storm shelters, while they tried to find a more permanent place to live. Without money, they could no longer afford the Montgomery apartment they had been paying for on a weekly basis.

He said he called several local charities and organizations, but for one reason or another, they could not place him in housing.

When the King Center on Donnally St. closed its doors to storm victims on July 14, Vanderslice and his girlfriend found themselves homeless in a city, where they knew no one.

"I don't know what it takes to convince somebody you're having a hard time," he said.

So Vanderslice walked from the King Center to the Fraternal Order of Eagles Club on Maryland Avenue. That is where he met David and Charls Loudin for the first time.

Vanderslice is a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, an international non-profit that shares a common interest: motorcycles.

After hearing his story, the Loudins offered to house Vanderslice and his girlfriend for free.

"We didn't like the idea of them being literally thrown out on the street or staying in another shelter," said Charls Loudin.

The Eagle's motto is: "people helping people." And some members seem to take interpret it literally.

Vanderslice and his girlfriend have been living with the Loudins in Dunbar for the past eight days.

And the Loudins said they can stay as long as they like.

"If the charities and the churches had the heart these people did, this would be a much better place," Vanderslice said. "They've been a blessing."