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Late Saturday night, Nashville, TN, had rains and flash floods reminiscent of the 2010 disaster. The Chatham family (my husband's sister, brother-in-law, and niece) awoke to the sound of rushing water in their crawlspace and realized that they were trapped inside, surrounded by rising water only inches away from their threshold. In the midst of the panic, they called for help, but family, friends, and 911 couldn't get to them. We prayed for the waters to recede, and soon, they started to go back down enough so that they could get to their car -- which thankfully started -- and drive to the home of a family, who lives nearby and on higher ground.
Ben and I drove down from Louisville and gathered with Casey, Brett, and Pippa the next day to assess the damage. We spent the next 3 days trying to recover as much as possible and clean up the debris. The big things they have to replace are: new HVAC, new ducts, new washer and dryer, new mower, and new drywall within their garage. It is also likely that one of their cars will be totaled. There may be other needs (electrical, mold, rot, etc.) that occur that we haven't yet determined the damage of, but we think $20,000 should be enough to cover the costs of the immediate needs. Miraculously, the waters never passed the main house threshold, and the majority of their belongings were spared.
Despite having purchased flood insurance on March 2, the insurance company has made it clear their policy is not active until April 1. So, this event on March 27 is not covered. FEMA has yet to declare this flood a "disaster," but they've been advised not to depend on FEMA relief anyway. At this time, they have a place to stay, but with a one-year-old baby and temperatures swinging from high 70s to low 30s this week in Nashville, it's not safe to even consider moving back in until there is an HVAC and duct system to heat/cool their home.
You might remember this sweet couple from 3.5 years ago when a fire started in the apartment underneath theirs, and they lost everything they had. When that disaster occurred, people showed up and gave generously, and Casey and Brett were so grateful for all the help getting back on their feet. They need your help again now.
Thank you for giving to this precious family. We are so beyond grateful they survived the fire nearly 4 years ago and the floods this week. Thank you for whatever you can give!
Ben and I drove down from Louisville and gathered with Casey, Brett, and Pippa the next day to assess the damage. We spent the next 3 days trying to recover as much as possible and clean up the debris. The big things they have to replace are: new HVAC, new ducts, new washer and dryer, new mower, and new drywall within their garage. It is also likely that one of their cars will be totaled. There may be other needs (electrical, mold, rot, etc.) that occur that we haven't yet determined the damage of, but we think $20,000 should be enough to cover the costs of the immediate needs. Miraculously, the waters never passed the main house threshold, and the majority of their belongings were spared.
Despite having purchased flood insurance on March 2, the insurance company has made it clear their policy is not active until April 1. So, this event on March 27 is not covered. FEMA has yet to declare this flood a "disaster," but they've been advised not to depend on FEMA relief anyway. At this time, they have a place to stay, but with a one-year-old baby and temperatures swinging from high 70s to low 30s this week in Nashville, it's not safe to even consider moving back in until there is an HVAC and duct system to heat/cool their home.
You might remember this sweet couple from 3.5 years ago when a fire started in the apartment underneath theirs, and they lost everything they had. When that disaster occurred, people showed up and gave generously, and Casey and Brett were so grateful for all the help getting back on their feet. They need your help again now.
Thank you for giving to this precious family. We are so beyond grateful they survived the fire nearly 4 years ago and the floods this week. Thank you for whatever you can give!
Organizer and beneficiary
Brett Chatham
Beneficiary