LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In response to a packed Clifton meeting of over 200 people demanding answers from Givaudan, the company agreed to host four mobile office hour sessions for residents to get one-on-one assistance.
Givaudan CEO Ann Leonard confirmed to a frustrated crowd on Monday there would be mobile office hours at the United Crescent Hill Ministries for anyone affected by the explosion.
Residents are asked to bring their IDs and proof of address to meet with Givaudan representatives.
Tuesday evening was the first night for meetings, and the company heard from those impacted and took down the information so they could start mapping out damage.
The blast shook the Dix's apartment so badly that the ceiling caved in.
Now, the home is condemned, and they said they've been houseless for the past week.
"We've been homeless for seven days now. It's been tough," said Shelby Dix. "I don't feel like everything is being done that should be done. I don't need you to try. I need you to do."
Former president of Givaudan and current member of the juvenile leadership team Elaine Gravatte is one of the two representatives answered questions.
"We are certainly trying to focus energies on the folks who have been the most impacted…that are displaced, and making sure that they are either in a place that they are comfortable or that we get them to a place where they can where they can be," she said. "We intend to keep this level of visibility where, you know, people have our phone numbers. We are trying to make sure that they can access us."
Gravatte said they have members doing insurance assessments, checking on visit updates, providing mental health resources, handing out gift cards, and working with authorities to finish inspections.
Clifton resident Craig Wilson appreciated the company's efforts.
"They communicate well, you know, they tell us keep up with their expenses, and they seem to have our back and our coverage," he said.
There are two more dates to meet with Givaudan one-on-one:
- Friday, Nov. 22 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the main room inside
- Saturday, Nov. 23 from 10:00 a.m. to noon in the main room inside
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