Bob and Linda O’Dell, their daughter Valerie and her three children Brooklynn, Audrey and Jakob currently live in Mason City, where they have resided for 21 years. Their home was affected by the flood of June 8, 2008. Due to the mold, the family is unable to use their basement for living space and has become over-crowded and has suffered from many health issues. The family is looking forward to moving into their new Habitat home in Forest City, where they will enjoy healthy living, more space for everyone and handicap accessibility that will make everyday life easier.

On November 4, 2010, Habitat for Humanity held a house dedication ceremony for Bob and Linda O'Dell and their daughter Valerie and her three children. The O'Dells will be leaving their house, of which they have lived in for nearly 25 years. When the flood happened in 2008, water fillied their basement and crept to the ground floor. The finished basement was ruined. Valerie and her three children moved to the ground floor and the three generations shared one bathroom and the main floor. We wish to thank all the volunteers, and the local community for coming out and supporting the O'Dell family. Thanks to 3M, and the Forest City Chamber of Commerce for the carepackets. Residents of the town volunteered to help move the O'Dells and others ahve helped during the wait and transition to the new house.

10-28-2010- Flood- ravaged family at home in Forest CIty