Please help my friends, Julie and Brian Cooney

On Tuesday, July 12, 2022, around 7:00 pm, a significant weather event that consisted of an 85 to 90 mph lateral wind gust occurred in College Park, MD. The wind gust was the equivalent of an F1 tornado, described by the National Weather Service as a "Microburst." My best friends, Julie and Brian Cooney's home, were hit directly by a large Poplar tree that came crashing through their bedroom while they were in the basement just below, trying to comfort their dog, Baron. Barons' high anxiety during thunderstorms could have possibly saved their lives. The impact of the tree destroyed their bedroom, bathroom and adjacent office. They left their home with only the clothes on their back and very traumatized pets.

It has been almost three weeks since the devastation. They are trying to get resettled with their dog and cats in a temporary location. Insurance will eventually find a place that will work for them over an estimated to be 6-month to 1-year rebuild/restoration. Insurance will probably cover most of what is needed for my friends, but they are in a challenging position daily.  Julie is self-employed and has not been able to work on scheduled projects since the tree fell. Brian has taken off as much as possible, but they still have a mortgage and bills to pay on an uninhabitable house.

They were forced to purchase bare essentials, like socks and underwear, shoes, food, basic office supplies for keeping records, etc. Friends and neighbors have been so generous in donating clothing and some office supplies, for which they are very grateful. However, some worries down the road are that the second Poplar Tree may also fall, sister to the one that has fallen. Insurance will not take down a standing tree, and just making ends meet while this process can be slow. Any amount will help the Cooneys with bare essentials at this time. For those who know them, we can all agree that they have been there for us in times of need. Let's show them that we can help during their difficult time. Thank you!