O'Connor Flood Recovery Fund
Donation protected
Hi, my name is Hannah Ellaham. I have been a resident of Lafayette, La for most of my life. I own a business here, Mortar & Pestle. Lafayette is my home and community.
Over the last couple of days there has been mass flooding across South Louisiana. Like everyone else, I watched the events take place on social media and on the news, horrified, yet thankful that my family was safe and sound. Until they weren't. The gravity of such a massive lose really never touches us until it happens to the ones we love.
On the morning of August 13, 2016 my parents lost their home to the floods that have devestated Lafayette, La. We were unaware of the extent of the damage until this morning when we were granted access to the neighborhood via boat. It is surreal. The neighborhood is behind the Blue Dog Cafe, which seems untouched. Two blocks from my bakery, which was untouched. Yet this morning we returned to our family home, which resembled something out of a horrible dream.
My mom, Michelle O'Connor, has served this community silently as a donation coordinator for shelters and displaced people for over 17 years. I can not tell you how many nights we stayed up, tea in hand rummaging through donations to bring to the family who lost their home in a fire, the foster child who had nothing, or the battered woman who escaped the hands of a lover with nothing but the clothes on her back with young children in tow. I could write about my mom for an eternity. She has been my inspiration in life. I tend to be a an outspoken force of nature. While my mom has always, silently, said so much so much louder and with the utmost grace by being an example to anyone who comes into contact with her.
My step father, John O'Connor is the stern silent type with the big heart who has opened his home to every person who has come looking for a place to stay and every donation, even when he couldn't walk into his house because there simply was too many things to go through.
Finally, my daughter, Samiah. My daughter's primary place of residency is with my loving parents. And they lost it all. The flood waters took their home, possessions and vehicle. The house was insured but flood insurance was too expensive for them to afford. Their neighborhood has not flooded for over 20 years. My parents are retired from their jobs and have no way to re-build their home.
The funds will go to helping them put their lives back together.
Even if you do not have a cent to your name, please share this link with your friends, family, and neighbors. My mom has touched thousands of lives in her 10+ years of civil service. Even a share can help. I can not express my gratitude enough to you all for your love, prayers, and hopes. Truly.
I will also be taking donations at Tribe Collective & Mortar & Pestle located at 1321 W. Pinhook Rd. Lafayette, La 70503
Over the last couple of days there has been mass flooding across South Louisiana. Like everyone else, I watched the events take place on social media and on the news, horrified, yet thankful that my family was safe and sound. Until they weren't. The gravity of such a massive lose really never touches us until it happens to the ones we love.
On the morning of August 13, 2016 my parents lost their home to the floods that have devestated Lafayette, La. We were unaware of the extent of the damage until this morning when we were granted access to the neighborhood via boat. It is surreal. The neighborhood is behind the Blue Dog Cafe, which seems untouched. Two blocks from my bakery, which was untouched. Yet this morning we returned to our family home, which resembled something out of a horrible dream.
My mom, Michelle O'Connor, has served this community silently as a donation coordinator for shelters and displaced people for over 17 years. I can not tell you how many nights we stayed up, tea in hand rummaging through donations to bring to the family who lost their home in a fire, the foster child who had nothing, or the battered woman who escaped the hands of a lover with nothing but the clothes on her back with young children in tow. I could write about my mom for an eternity. She has been my inspiration in life. I tend to be a an outspoken force of nature. While my mom has always, silently, said so much so much louder and with the utmost grace by being an example to anyone who comes into contact with her.
My step father, John O'Connor is the stern silent type with the big heart who has opened his home to every person who has come looking for a place to stay and every donation, even when he couldn't walk into his house because there simply was too many things to go through.
Finally, my daughter, Samiah. My daughter's primary place of residency is with my loving parents. And they lost it all. The flood waters took their home, possessions and vehicle. The house was insured but flood insurance was too expensive for them to afford. Their neighborhood has not flooded for over 20 years. My parents are retired from their jobs and have no way to re-build their home.
The funds will go to helping them put their lives back together.
Even if you do not have a cent to your name, please share this link with your friends, family, and neighbors. My mom has touched thousands of lives in her 10+ years of civil service. Even a share can help. I can not express my gratitude enough to you all for your love, prayers, and hopes. Truly.
I will also be taking donations at Tribe Collective & Mortar & Pestle located at 1321 W. Pinhook Rd. Lafayette, La 70503
Organizer and beneficiary
Hannah Ellaham
Organizer
Lafayette, LA
Michelle Oconnor
Beneficiary