LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The news Givaudan will attend the Community Council's Monday night meeting comes as a welcome surprise to the Clifton neighborhood.
Tuesday, the Givaudan caramel coloring plant off Payne Street exploded, causing the death of two people and injuring several others. Multiple nearby homes were damaged from the blast along with neighboring businesses and buildings.
"I've cried enough, been upset enough," said Payne Street resident Shelby Dix. "I just want everything to go back. I just want closure. I want them to tell me what their going to do for me."
Dix is one of many who's home has been damaged and has been told by her property manager, she and her two kids can no longer live in the building.
Her windows were blown out, the door taken out of it's hinges, a large hole created in the ceiling, a large piece of metal stands outside on her porch. Dix said a sticky black substance is on everything.
"We don't have any clothing anymore," said Dix. "We don't have any shoes anymore. Everything was destroyed in that explosion."
She hoped she would have heard from the company by now, but has not.
"I just feel like they should be more urgent with that," said Dix.
She's looking for a new place to stay while bunking at her mom's home.
"I'm homeless and it's right before Christmas, right before the holidays, so it's just really upsetting," said Dix.
She plans to go to the Clifton Community Council meeting on Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. in the United Crescent Hill Ministries building on State Street in hopes to get some answers.
Givaudan provided WHAS11 News with a statement after questioning the company's response plan to the explosion and if people will be reimbursed for damages caused.
In the statement, the company said members are first reaching out to employees and families that lost loved ones, and then will reach out to the community to provide resources for repairs. It was in the statement the company said it would attend the Monday meeting.
WHAS11 was the first to tell Clifton Community Council president Mike O'Leary, who has expressed his disappointment in the lack of communication by the company.
"I'm pleased that they're showing up..." said O'Leary. "Our neighbors want to talk to them."
O'Leary said he expects the company to walk into a room that will be respectful, but still very frustrated about the situation.
"I want them to actively listen and participate in the conversation," said O'Leary.
He said he expects the company to come prepared with information on compensation, on providing assistance in repairs, as well as a plan for helping people who've lost their homes, and for those who don't have renter's insurance.
A hotline has also been created for people to call Givaudan with questions and to report property damage.
The phone number listed is 1-800-856-3333 and the email address is communitysupport@ddwcolor.com. Callers are asked to reference "DDW" or "Givaudan."
Anyone who wishes to help Dix and her family can donate through their GoFundMe here.
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