THREE FORKS, Mont. — The Three Forks Senior Center is asking for community support after basement flooding left it with a $21,000 repair bill.
The flooding happened after July rain filled the basement with water. Staff said crews later cleared and drained the space, then installed two new sump pumps and new drains to help keep water out in the future.
“When we had that horrible, horrible rain and didn’t have sump pumps, the water was real high. It took them about two weeks to get it all cleared up and drained, so,” said Senior Center cook Trish Orr.
Orr said the flooding damaged the floor, ruined stored items and may lead to rust on equipment kept in the basement.
The center said the damage did not seriously disrupt daily operations. Still, the cost hits hard for a small senior center that also serves as the town’s only dedicated space for seniors.
People who use the center said it plays an important role in Three Forks.
“We have jigsaw puzzles we work on, and they do bingo on Thursdays. And then there’s an exercise class that meets here,” said Jane Brown, a senior center user.
The center also provides meals for the community. It served more than 2,500 meals in-house last year and more than 1,000 through Meals on Wheels.
Brown said the center gives people a place to gather and enjoy time with friends.
“It’s a good place to come. And. And we get good food, Trish is a tremendous cook and it’s just nice to get together with friends,” Brown said.
The Senior Center is accepting donations through their PO Box:
Three Forks Senior Center
PO Box 1034
Three Forks, MT 59792