2011 Flood Still Plaguing Homeowner

Memphis, Tn - "If you're going to take my house down, I need to know about it."

Donnie Hicks owns a home on the 1400 block of Hindman in Memphis. It had three feet of water in it following the May floods. In November, the city told Fox 13, his home was among 7 houses set to be demolished.

Hicks said before our report, the city never contacted him. He says the only letter he got was from the health department, asking him to clean up this pile of wood.

"Only thing I'm finding out is from you and your two interviews, you might could help me in getting some answers.

According to Onzie Horne, the Dir. Community Enhancement, "We reached out to him by letter mailed to this address. We didn't know where he was until after he contacted you or you contacted him.

Horne says all the homeowners were notified their homes were going to be demolished but he admittedly hasn't heard from any of them. The city is now working with hicks to resolve the issue.

"It's complicated between the mortgagee, Wells Fargo, FEMA and the property holder. FEMA provided some relief, but it's not acknowledged by the mortgage company and they're attempting to foreclose and we're attempting to provide some relief so the homeowner doesn't suffer or continue of what he's suffered," said Horne.

Hicks says there nowhere to go but forward, "I lost a house full of furniture, but basically I'm at a place where I have to try to move on somehow, but I need resolution from the city. I owe mortgage on the house and they're coming to me with both hands out, next step is foreclosure, what am I supposed to do?

Hicks had insurance on his home, but not flood insurance. The city says his case will likely end up in court, which will give Hicks time to vet out other alternatives.