By now we’ve all seen the images of the destruction left in the wake of Hurricane Ida’s rampage through Louisiana and up the entire East Coast. Ida’s destructive fury resulted in massive flooding particularly in the New York metropolitan area. Unfortunately, the resultant property damage/loss wasn’t confined to New York City and its surroundings. The destruction wrought by Ida extended more than 100 miles further north into Dutchess County, New York. Our sister, a loving mother of 2 girls and a dedicated teacher of 18 years, had her house inundated with flood waters, that resulted in the collapse of a section of a foundation wall in her basement. The frightening incident happened at around 11pm during the height of the storm and while she was home alone, as her husband, a Westchester County Beeline Operator was himself fighting to keep his passengers safe after the bus he was driving was stuck in more than a foot of flood waters that entered the bus and forced the eventual evacuation of his passengers. Fearing the imminent collapse of the house, she was forced to rush out with just a few necessities for her and her family. Subsequent inspection by the Building Department resulted in the home being deemed unsafe and uninhabitable, as the remaining foundation walls are also buckled, and the entire structure could collapse at any time. Unfortunately, while she has homeowners’ insurance that has fully paid-up premiums, she has already been informed by her insurance company that her claim will be denied as this type of damage deemed to be “earth movement” is excluded from coverage. The estimated cost to repair the damage is estimated at $70K, a sum that she and her husband are unfortunately unable to afford. While there is a possibility that New York may at some point become eligible for FEMA disaster assistance, it has not yet happened, and she cannot wait for that possibility as it may be too late to save the house. We are asking for any donations no matter how small to help this amazing woman who has dedicated her career to serving and caring for students in low-income communities, save her home.  Any help is appreciated!     

Thank you on behalf of our sister,

Felecia Kelly & Kimberlyetta Lewis