Help the Melvilles escape their collapsing home
On October 31st, 2019, flash flooding left just several feet between the Melville’s (Wes Melville & Kristi Loven) Vermont home of 12 years and the riverbank behind it. After a long period of consultation with their town, multiple engineers and state geologists, they were given the devastating news that they are facing “imminent catastrophe.” It is only a matter of time before the soil collapses and the house with it. Even an $80,000 shoring up of the soil would only be a temporary fix. Indeed, more erosion has occurred since.
Unable to sell their home or abandon their mortgage, a partial FEMA buyout is their only option. The buyout funds 75% of the assessed value (which will go to the mortgage company) of the property and 75% of the costs associated with demolition/clearing of the property (which will be turned over to the town). The remaining 25% is their responsibility; the amount is estimated at $50,209.75, not including expenses needed to establish a new residence.
The Melvilles live on a single income in order to also attend to the needs of their seven-year-old daughter who is on the autism spectrum. Diagnosed at the age of 2, they hope to stay in their current county in order to continue accessing her therapeutic and education services. The Melvilles hope to access a $20k grant toward the $50k buyout bill. They need your help raising the other $30,000 since they have now exhausted all local and federal support.
We humbly ask that you help the Melvilles so that they can leave this unsafe home and begin rebuilding their lives elsewhere. Even if you can only spare a few dollars - every little bit helps. (Whether or not you can donate, please share this fundraiser to your social media.)
