Help a Single Mom of 3 Rebuild After Devastating Storm Damage

Hi I'm Kiara a single mother of three children, in Merrillville Indiana over the last few months, our lives have been completely turned upside down by severe storms and damage to our home.

On June 11, the first major storm and flooding hit our area. Our home was damaged, we lost most of our clothes and all of our food, and my children were left traumatized by what happened. My youngest son is now terrified whenever he hears the word “storm.” Even strong wind or thunder makes him scared because he remembers what we went through.

Before we could fully recover, we were hit with more severe weather. On August 11, another storm caused widespread power outages across Indiana and added even more stress to an already difficult situation.

After the first storm, I repeatedly reached out about repairs to our home. A tree had pierced the roof, and over time water continued entering the house. Water collected in the roof and even inside the light fixtures. I was told the home was considered livable, but I did not feel it was safe for my children and me.

Eventually, the damage became worse and the roof caved in. As more rain came, water poured into the house and destroyed what belongings we still had left.

We have now lost our TVs, furniture, clothing, household items, and so many of the things I worked hard to provide for my children. Before all of this happened, our home was beautiful, clean, well kept, and filled with everything my babies needed. Watching everything we worked for be destroyed has been heartbreaking.

During this time, I was also faced with an eviction filing over unpaid July rent, even though we were not staying in the home because of the storm damage. My previous lease had ended in April 2026, and I had asked several times about renewing it.

I do have renters insurance, but because my policy was newly established, my claim is currently being reviewed while the insurance company verifies the circumstances surrounding the storms and my loss. In the meantime, my children and I still need somewhere safe and stable to go.

Right now, I am asking for help raising $6,000 so that I can begin rebuilding our lives. The money would help with a moving truck, storage unit, relocation expenses, replacement clothing and household necessities, and getting my children settled into a safe home again.

I know times are difficult for everyone, and I do not take asking for help lightly. Any donation, no matter how small, would mean more than I could ever explain. If you are unable to donate, sharing our story would also be a blessing.

My biggest goal is simply to give my babies stability again, replace what we can, and give them a safe place where they can finally feel like everything is going to be okay.

Thank you for reading our story, donating, sharing, praying, or helping us in any way. We truly appreciate it.