Irma - Returning to help rebuild

Most everyone knows our house was destoyed by Hurricane Irma and Lauren's suffered major damage. I'm not setting up this fund for us. I'm setting it up to assist other mobile home owners that suffered foundation damage or code violations that will not be covered by FEMA or SBA.

My goal is for mobile home owners to avoid the predatory contractors and installers that are using a disaster to line their pockets. Usually it's the elderly that are being taken advantage of, but low income families are being displaced too. Inspectors have tagged mobile homes as "Major Damage" when all that is needed is additional blocking, anchors, lateral and longitudinal support. 

I have always had the heart to serve others, as a Firefighter/Paramedic, 14 years with Metro Fire Sacramento and 10 years with Idyllwild Fire, and as a mate/snorkel guide here in the Keys.

On October 15th I will be licensed by the State of Florida to install and repair mobile home foundations. It is with your help that I can succeed in helping others get their lives and homes back to normal. This is not intended to be a career or long term employment for me, it's me focusing on the needs of others and not dwelling on my family's misfortunes. Those will work themselves out in time.

Here's what I've taken care of;
Mobile Home Installers Exam $100.
Florida State Lisencing Fees $200.
$5000 Surety Bond. 
Liability Insurance. 
CAD software.

Here's my list of needs;
Hydraulic Earth Augers - Found 2 rental shops within a couple hours drive that will give me a discounted rate.

$1000 in 8x8x16 concrete blocks. 720 blocks x 1.22 each + delivery. Home Depot.

$3000 in Earth Anchors. Anchors are $15 each. A new 60' mobile home may need 22 total. A used mobile home would need less to bring into code compliance, IF other achors are functional. Mobile Home Depot.

$2600 Steel Foundation System. 10 sets, 2 per home if needed. 

$1400 in tools, pads, straps, plates and jacks. 

I could complete 10 mobile homes with all new foundation equipment if needed, but I'm sure I can extend that out as not every home will need a completely new system to come into compliance. 

I know this is a lot to ask of everyone. I'm hoping that I will have your support and prayers throughout this endevour.

Thanks,
Rick McKinley

GoFundMe Criteria Questions

1. Who you are and where you’re from?

My legal name is Fredrick McKinley, my friends call me Rick. I use to in the the Driftwood Trailer Park in Tavernier, FL, but my mobile home was destroyed by the surge from Hurricane Irma. Now we are temporarily staying in an apartment till we know what our options will be.

2. Your relationship or contact to the parties you're raising funds for?

I'm raising funds for my neighbors in the Driftwood Trailer park and hopefully expanding to our neighboring park, Ocean Cove, then to Silver Shores. Many in these parks are elderly and/or are of Cuban descent and speak very little English. Out of 32 mobile home and trailers, in the Driftwood Trailer Park, 16 suffered major damage or were destroyed. Ocean Cove suffered similar damage. And Silver Shores had nearly 80% of the mobile homes damaged. A number of the mobile homes were tagged for code violations that are not related to Irma. Which means they will not qualify for FEMA or SBA loans. Some of these homes are 30+ years old and codes have changed since then.

3. How the funds will be spent (be specific as possible)?

Priority will be given to the mobile homes that are still at risk to future hurricane damage and are not up to date with current Florida codes for mobile homes. New ground anchors will replace non functioning or damaged anchors. Additional anchors will be placed at 5'4" on center per new codes. New concrete blocks will replace broken or missing blocks. Additional columns will be placed to meet the current code. New strapping will replace old or broken straps. Additional straps will be added to meet the current code. Lateral and longitudinal systems will be placed if needed to meet the code requirements. Funds will buy the equipment and materials needed to bring these mobile homes into compliance with the Florida statutes and provide better protection for the mobile home from hurricanes.

4. Your withdrawal plan to get the funds from the campaign to the ultimate beneficiary/ies?

My first withdrawl will be to purchase one complete set of materials for a 60' mobile home. This will include 22 earth anchors, 72 concrete blocks, 200' strapping and one lateral/longitudinal system. Approxiately $700.
I will also rent an Earth Auger machine on a weekly basis to keep costs down.