Mother nature hasn't been kind to Jocko Point residents this spring.
High water levels have caused flooding in the community, and wave action has caused the breakdown of sandbag walls,.
"Jocko Point had a big setback last night due to damaging winds (25-40km/h from the east)," says Communications officer Gen Couchie "Some sand bag walls were breached by high waves and others are on the verge of being breached and threatening the road."
Couchie says the fire department has been deployed to help community members reinforce sand bag walls in the areas being worst hit.
"Crews are there again this morning, but we are issuing a new call-out for volunteers in Jocko Point to assist with sandbagging efforts through the weekend, and possibly into next week.
"Despite Wednesday’s optimism that residents could win the fight against flooding, the rising water level and revised forecast showing increased amounts of rain through the weekend is extremely concerning.
See: Jocko Point residents 'cautiously optimistic'
If you can help go to the Jocko Point Fire Hall, 1082 Jocko Point Road, Nipissing First Nation.
Meanwhile, Kerrie Emms, is with the Angel Network volunteer organization and she started helping Sunday and has not stopped since.
She writes to BayToday, "It is very challenging to shut my mind off tonight thinking of the friends we have made in Jocko point while we cooked and ran the kitchen, packed food boxes gone on several wellness check drives and tried to do any other job we could. These people have become dear to us. I am listening to the rain falling outside my window and my heart aches. It aches because while I know the rain here sounds pleasant and calm and will bring forth new life for us it is doing quite the opposite in Jacko Point.
"Tonight, our friends go to sleep listening to the waves crash against their houses, breach their sandbag break walls and cause destruction. I guarantee sleep will not come easily or peacefully for the many residents whose homes are now once again being threatened.
"We have witnessed firsthand the care and concern neighbors have shown as they update us almost hourly on whose house has been saved by the efforts and who is next or who needs food dropped off because they are sick or elderly. We have heard the stories and hugged the people close in the midst of the chaos that threatens many people’s ability to remain in their homes.
"Yes, people who live on a lake should expect some issues as should those of us who drive in the snow or camp in fire areas. Those of us who have remote cottages accept that we may one day face fire or flood, if we have a boat we accept the risk that it could one day spring a leak but, to see this kind of damage is catastrophic for communities and NEVER should they have to go it alone so now Jacko Point is going forward as a family. We have seen it firsthand and are ever so proud to be a part of it and honorary members of the family.
"We haven't done it alone either. Our Canadian Angel Network has grown through the challenge and will go on to help many others in the future because of what we learned helping Fort Mac three years ago and Jacko Point now. What is happening cannot be changed, but how we respond to it can be. Instead of saying expect it, try changing the inner dialogue running through your head. Say, “what can I do”, instead of, “It’s not my problem.” Open your heart to the plight of others instead of shutting down and saying it doesn’t matter. The volunteers and the donations that have come in tell me the community cares and I am awestruck by it.
"As I write this a group of volunteers is desperately trying to save a home. I can’t be there in person but, I wish I could be. As I write tonight, I am also chatting with a mom who cannot be there and it is so much harder for her being able to hear the commotion. I can chat from the comfort of my bed I can offer that tiny bit of comfort to her and others. I know what it is to need just another person to give you a tiny bit of comfort. I know these people will be okay, I know this because they are #jackostrong they are strong and resilient and have taught me so much about perseverance in a very short time."
