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Flood Relief for Derek and Lauren

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Many people in our hometown and the surrounding areas had to flee our homes in the middle of the night Saturday due to rising waters from the Amite River. We live in a non-flood plain area and we haven't had to have flood insurance in the nearly 10 years that the house has been there. There has never been a hurricane or flood that has even left standing water in our yard, so to say that this event shocked us is an understatement. We frantically paced our home throughout the day Friday and Saturday taking measurements and looking to the sky begging the rain to stop without mercy. We continued measuring the water lines and hoped for the best. At one point the water started to recede and we called family and friends and told them we "thought" we would be ok. Unfortunately we were very wrong.

The backwater pushed up the canals from the Amite River. The water was rising extremely fast and we expeditiously began putting everything we could in the attic and in the top of closets. We rushed through the house putting 5 gallon paint cans on the floor with the furniture on top, hoping the water wouldn't get that deep.

The water was way worse than expected and we were forced to use our emergency plan. We prepared as best we could and tried to help those around us. I went out to help some neighbors trapped in their home while Lauren and our dog Domino were safely floating on a mattress in our home. After securing our belongings and making a path for the roof of the house, I was standing on top of the cab of my truck looking for a paddle boat my neighbor had left. At that time, good samaritans just so happened to pass in a boat. I had them take the elderly neighbors and some of another neighbor's children and they volunteered to come back. At 2:33 a.m. Sunday morning, we left our home in chest deep water with two backpacks and our dog. So many people risked their lives to save us and others and for that I will forever be grateful. We received an outpouring of kindness as we were shuffled from parking lot to parking lot and eventually to a shelter at a local middle school. We were eventually picked up by and friend and rescued to their home until my mother-in-law and father-in-law could pick us up. I can not say enough kind things about our friends and family who have sacrificed so much to help us get out and to help us gut the house.

This morning as I write this, I am humbled by the generosity of others. We wouldn't have made it this far without their help. I also never thought that I would be writing this post asking for financial support. The house took 5-6 feet of water throughout. We think our custom built cypress cabinets might survive, but all of our built-in cabinets are collapsing throughout the rest of the house. We were able to save some clothing items, but all of our kitchen appliances, electronics, furniture, and personal belongings are ruined. We also lost all of our appliances.

After working numerous hurricanes and rescuing others  while I was in the Army National Guard, I never thought that I would be the one in need of help. Lauren and I would appreciate any help that you could give us. Regardless if that help is some expertise in rebuilding or monetary, we desparately need to find a way to make our home liveable. We are thankful that we are healthy and resilient. I am a firm believer that you have to use tragedy to fuel you and inspire you to be positive and help others around you. We are rebuilding as a subdivision and as a community. Just like the many floods and many communities who have been influenced in the past, we will survive this. Thank you for taking the time to read this and we do greatly appreciate anything you can do to help.
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Donations 

  • Scott Cairns
    • $200
    • 8 yrs
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Organizer

Lauren Elizabeth Pace
Organizer
Walker, LA

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