My name is Sara (I am in Illinois) and my sister Becky and her husband Alan are two of many who have fled Florida with Hurricane Irma pounding the state. Like many, they have left behind everything they couldn't pack - her art workshop (and her job), his art supplies (and his job), friends who stayed behind, and their home. They are in a rental vehicle with their beloved 5 dogs and cat, some of their artwork they plan to sell, and staying in hotels as long as they can until making it to Illinois. Once in Illinois, they will try to find a temporary living situation until they know if there is a home to return to.

We are raising money specifically to pay for the cost of hotels (already at $500), the car rental ($600-?), gas/travel ($200), finding housing, returning to Florida if possible to recover their home, and simply living (food, paying bills, feeding animals, medicine, daily needs, - without their income - is overwhelming. I have set the fundraising goal at $3500 but I know we will have to raise as much help as we can to get them re-settled once the storm passes. At this point, any bit helps and I appreciate your willingness to chip in. This is an immediate need.

Other ways to help: If you have an RV or camper or empty apt you are willing to loan while they are here, let me know. We may also be looking for food for animals.