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Padgett Family LA Flood Relief Fund

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Hey Everyone!

My name is Chris Ferchaud.  I was born and partially raised in Baton Rouge, LA.  The majority of my family still lives/resides in Baton Rouge and the surrounding areas.

 In 1993, I met my childhood best friend, Matt Padgett, who was also born and raised in Baton Rouge, LA.  His parents, Don and Joyce Padgett raised two sons, Matt and Scott on Buckingham Avenue.  This has been their house, but more importantly the home they made for their family for over 30 years.  

Matt's dad, Don, has spent countless hours over the past 20 years rebuilding the inside as time allowed and as he was physically able.

Don is a heart patient and has also suffered from back problems in which he has half of his spine fused together.  His health problems make it more difficult to  be able to perform physically demanding activities outside of his current employment requirements.

Joyce has been blessed to be a homemaker in their house and put her heart into raising her sons here and making the house inviting for family and friends, such as me.

I am blessed to know this family and spent countless hours growing up in the home on Buckingham Avenue.  I would say that this family played a part in the man I am today.  Because of them, I encountered God and accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior when they invited me to an event at Bethany Church when I was about 12.

Now to tell you about their need:
Thursday, August 11 - Friday, August 12, Don and Joyce watched and waited as the canal behind their house started to rise but was able to hold the historical rain that has affected thousands of others.  The two days prior the canal level would fall back down, but on Saturday, August 13 at 1:30 AM they recieved a call from a neighbor that the canal was rising so quickly they needed to get out.  At this point, they had no choice but to evacuate their home leaving everything behind but a few clothes they were able to take with them.  

On Wednesday, August 17, Matt along with his parents were able to get back into their home to survey the damage.  Their house took on over 6 feet of water causing a total loss.  For the past 3 days, Matt, his brother Scott, and some of their family members from the Baton Rouge area have worked alongside Don and Joyce to clean out the interior (furniture, belongings, appliances, etc) as much as possible.  Matt, who now resides in Shreveport, LA and is self-employed, as well as some of the family members, who helped when able, have had to return to work leaving Don and Joyce without help.  

As of Friday, August 19, Don and Joyce are left to finish cleaning out their home before they are able to begin taking out sheetrock, flooring, etc.

Like many others affected by this epic flood, they do not have flood insurance.  I know that may sound crazy to some of you.  However, several years ago they had to drop their flood coverage when FEMA updated the flood maps.  Their insurance premium would have increased by $10,000 per year, and their home is in an area that has never flooded before.  This is the case for many others affected by this historic flood.  Many residents in north Louisiana had the same situation this past March.

Ways you can help Don & Joyce rebuild their home:

Monetary donations will go directly to Don & Joyce Padgett and would be a blessing to help them rebuild/replace furniture, applicances, and belongings.

Physical labor to assist with the continued demolition and rebuilding process.

And prayers, as this has emotionally taken a toll on this family, especially Joyce, as she is the mother of the family and has spent a lifetime making the house more than a structure, but most importantly a home.

In all sincerity, 

Chris Ferchaud
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Donations 

  • Alejandro Sanchez
    • $20
    • 7 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Chris Ferchaud
Organizer
West Monroe, LA
Matt Padgett
Beneficiary

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