Burst pipe causes extensive damage
United South End Settlements, which is already facing some tough decisions regarding how to manage its aging properties and maintain programming, was dealt a severe blow by the unusually harsh weather when a sprinkler pipe burst at the South End House, 48 Rutland Street, on Sunday, January 7.
USES vice president Nikki Stewart reported that water flowed from the pipe, located on the fourth floor of the building, for over an hour, damaging part of each floor below, down to the garden level. A preliminary estimate of the cost of the damage to classrooms, offices, educational and administrative supplies and toys, is over $1 million.
South End House was home to USES's Club48 after-school program for ages 5 through 12 and its early childhood education program for children aged 3 months to 5 years, serving over 100 children combined. According to Stewart, USES will relocate Club48 to the Harriet Tubman House, 566 Columbus Avenue pending approval from the licensor until construction is finished on the South End House, but a new location for the early childhood program has not been established.
"Our priorities are to keep families together in one space and to remain as close to 48 Rutland Street as possible," Stewart said in an e-mail. The repair process will encompass removing all of the water from the building; repairing previously unknown damage to the roof which exposed the pipe to the cold, contributing to the rupture; gutting and rebuilding damaged areas, securing and outfitting temporary program space, and replacing damaged program supplies.
Amid all the sobering news, Stewart also reported that neighbors responded promptly to USES's need. "We have been so appreciative of the community's response: reaching out to help us find space, connecting us to contractors, offering to volunteer in any way possible, and donating to help families get through this crisis. At $20.00 per hour, the cost of hiring a babysitter can be upwards of $1,000 a week. For many of our families, the loss of programming has been devastating. USES has set up an emergency fund to help families cover costs during this time, as well as cover the costs associated with outfitting a temporary space and rebuilding expenses that will not be covered by insurance," Stewart said.
The Claremont Neighborhood Association (CNA) responded to USES's emergency by sending out an e-mail recounting the organization's disabling plumbing disaster and the plight of those who depended upon the affordable daycare provided at the South End House. CNA announced that it donated $250 to USES toward repairs and encouraged members to give as well.
Stewart suggested that anyone wishing to donate to support the repair and rebuilding visit http://www.uses.org, and that those who wish to collect toys and books for USES contact her directly at nstewart@uses.org.