My name is Jerri and I live in Roanoke, VA. I am trying to raise funds to help my older sister rent and move to an apartment for 6 months while she sorts out medical issues and employment. She lives in St. Petersburg, FL, where two different hurricanes affected two separate places she has lived within the past five years. The first flood destroyed the house she rented and most of her possessions, and this second one has caused water damage in her apartment, which she shares with her adult son who also has medical conditions.

If she could afford the increasing rent, she and her son could remain in the apartment. She has had to quit her job due to mental and physical illnesses. She is unable to support herself or her son now, having used all of her savings and borrowed as much as she can from family.

She is one of the most sensitive and kind-hearted people I know and has tried to work hard all of her life. I would like to be able to provide enough money for her to find a suitable, affordable place to rent for 6 months and enough money to move and afford food and gas for those 6 months, while she regains her health, hopefully, and a steady job, if possible.

My family and extended family is not wealthy, but we have tried to help her as much as possible over the past year. Anything you can provide, without limiting your own life, would be so tremendously appreciated.

The photo accompanying this request is of my sister, Carmen. It has been such a long time since I’ve seen her smile like that. I would love to see that again and for her to feel healthy, safe, and stable while she tries to start over.