Not so Home Sweet Home

The title picture was taken when Julie and the boys first got to their new home.  This was supposed to be a joyous occasion which turned catastrophic within the first day.   We are not seeking a lot of money, $20,000 to some might not be a hardship, but when you don’t have any of it, it is monumental and when it is keeping you from having water in your home it is hard to live without.  Our sister Julie is a single mom of 2 wonderful sons, Sean has autism and Michael is a sensitive, shy teen.  Struggling financially for years, Julie was finally able to reach the all-American dream of home ownership.   Julie searched and searched and finally found the one with all the right check marks….close to good schools that will meet the needs of her children, friends, safe neighborhood, affordable and what she thought was sound.  Julie literally used every penny she had to buy this house! Change is very difficult for children on the spectrum, but Julie was sure that this change would be a great one for her boys.  They were so excited but apprehensive all at the same time.  On move in day friends and family members were there helping Julie by unloading boxes, hanging curtains and the atmosphere was lively.  When the day was done and  friends and relatives gone, Julie threw in her first load of laundry.  She was actually looking forward to it as she told us that doing laundry was therapeutic for her.  Not knowing all the new sounds in the new house yet, she didn’t run immediately when she heard what sounded like water running as she knew the washing machine was running.  When the sounds grew louder and Julie rushed down, she found a river flowing out of the laundry room and a fountain spurting from the main floor toilet.  Water filled the den, basement, powder room and entryway and was running out the garage and front door.  After all the appropriate emergency and recovery personnel were called, it was discovered that the main sewer line leading from the house to the street not only had blockages, but 4 mis-aligned breaks in the main sewer pipe.  Her property needs to be dug up from the foundation in her house to the street and a new sewer line laid.  Water damaged the laundry room, den, foyer and all the contents of the basement and this has to be taken care of as well.  All the memories of her boys as children are gone.  Clothes, toys, cherished items, video games, and peace of mind have been taken away.  As funds are needed immediately, any amount that you can help with at this holiday time will be greatly appreciated. On behalf of Julie and the boys, we thank you.