Rebuild The Simple Bus Life USVI

"Ask for help not because you are weak, but because you want to remain strong"

The lives of my very best friend of 27 years, Amanda Trattner and her beautiful family have been completely devastated by the destruction of Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria. If you have ever had to see someone you love struggle, you can understand that out of the sadness in my heart, why I feel moved to do whatever I can to support them during this difficult time.

I am reaching out on their behalf to humbly ask for your compassion and assistance in helping them rebuild their lives and the lives of the beloved citizens of their community in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. 

How the hurricanes directly affected the Trattners 

The Trattner family -- Amanda, her husband Joe and their baby Joey -- live in a tiny home they built from a converted school bus (www.thesimplebuslife.com) on the island of St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. Although they are safe and the bus itself survived the storm, their property, and more importantly their livelihood have been severely damaged.

·  Amanda and Joe own two businesses – One Love Charters and St. Thomas Sport and Social Club. These businesses are their only means of income, and they have come to a complete halt for the foreseeable future. However, the ongoing costs and loans associated with these businesses continue.

·  Their bathroom/storage structure, which also housed their source of energy (solar panels) and source of water (cistern) have been completely destroyed.

·  Insurance is nearly impossible to get for a tiny home, so the Trattner’s do not have any insurance payments to help them rebuild. 


What they plan to do with the funds

·  100% of donations will go directly to  the reconstruction of the Trattners and Virgin Island's home and community 

·  All supplies and services will be purchased at local Virgin Island businesses (whenever possible) to help rebuild the economy

·  The Trattners have been a part of this community for over 9 years and have the knowledge, community network, and local resources to make substantial and sustainable differences for St. Thomas as the people there work to rebuild their lives.


Long Term vs Short Term

While the recent hurricanes have captured national attention, that attention is short lived, it is only a matter of time before the news articles stop and those of us who were not directly affected go about our normal lives. What we forget is that although immediate relief (food, water, etc.) is crucial in the short term, many of these people have lost so much more -- homes, jobs, electricity, and access to clean water -- and will need support in rebuilding their lives in the months and years to come.

Once their property is rebuilt back to what it was pre-hurricanes, Joe & Amanda will be dedicated to rebuilding the Virign Islands community. They love their home and want to see it come back better and stronger than before.  

In the wake of tragedy I am always inspired by and grateful for the outpouring of generosity and love. I truly appreciate your consideration and support!