Troutman Hurricane Maria Relief
Donation protected
On September 19, 2017, Hurricane Maria descended upon St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands as a Category 5 storm with sustained winds of 175mph. For hours Hurricane Maria thrashed the island causing widespread damage to homes, businesses, schools, and historical sites. With my mother still stranded stateside following Hurricane Irma, my Dad tried his best to prepare in the days leading up to the storm. However, a few hours into Maria, my Dad realized that the house would likely not survive the storm. At first, a few fallen roof rafters and water leaks seemed manageable until the intensity of the wind started ripping part of the roof off. Looking up and seeing parts of the sky from within the house, my Dad rushed to grab a few essential items and made it to his car outside which served as his only shelter for more than six hours during this brutal storm. My Dad watched nervously as Hurricane Maria peeled the galvanized roof off the house like a tin can, exposing wooden rafters throughout and leaving their entire bedroom and other parts of the house completely exposed.
Thankfully, my Dad’s life was spared during Hurricane Maria, a storm that is being likened to Hurricane Hugo in 1989 - the effects of which are still seen and felt today. The challenge now is for my parents to find a new place to live and secure life’s basic necessities. As with so many on the island, my parents are starting all over from scratch. Very few items were spared and my family will need everything from food/toiletries to furniture and a generator, as power is not expected to be fully restored until the end of December. All donations will be used to help support them as items are purchsed and shipped to St. Croix. Therefore, any amount that you are able to contribute will be greatly appreciated by my family.
Since the storm ended, my dad has been staying at a shelter. Despite poor cellular service, an imposed curfew, and inadequate food supplies---he remains in good spirits as he and others on the island brace themselves for the task of rebuilding. There are certainly tough years ahead but we remain hopeful that better days are on the rise for all of the US Virgin Islands. On behalf of my family, I thank you in advance for your contributions.
St. Croix After Hurricane Maria
NY Times - Maria Drowned What Irma Didn't Destroy
Thankfully, my Dad’s life was spared during Hurricane Maria, a storm that is being likened to Hurricane Hugo in 1989 - the effects of which are still seen and felt today. The challenge now is for my parents to find a new place to live and secure life’s basic necessities. As with so many on the island, my parents are starting all over from scratch. Very few items were spared and my family will need everything from food/toiletries to furniture and a generator, as power is not expected to be fully restored until the end of December. All donations will be used to help support them as items are purchsed and shipped to St. Croix. Therefore, any amount that you are able to contribute will be greatly appreciated by my family.
Since the storm ended, my dad has been staying at a shelter. Despite poor cellular service, an imposed curfew, and inadequate food supplies---he remains in good spirits as he and others on the island brace themselves for the task of rebuilding. There are certainly tough years ahead but we remain hopeful that better days are on the rise for all of the US Virgin Islands. On behalf of my family, I thank you in advance for your contributions.
St. Croix After Hurricane Maria
NY Times - Maria Drowned What Irma Didn't Destroy
Organizer
Kenya Troutman
Organizer
Kingshill, VI
