Help Jerry and Taffy Rebuild Their Home

Hi, my name is Kaitlin Shelton!

This GoFundMe page has been created with hopes of raising money to help my parents, Jerry and Taffy Shelton, who have been going through a tough time. Please consider reading below to learn their story

My parents were residents of a small Virginia Beach rental home for many years. In July of this year, 2024, they had to move out of their rental home because the owner wanted to rent the home to one of his family members. Although given a sufficient 30-day notice, this was the beginning of a very significant struggle for them, as they lived in this home for quite some time and did not anticipate having to move so abruptly.

The unfortunate circumstance is that when they were told that they had to move, my father was only a couple of months into recovery from having one of two required shoulder surgeries, and they were still trying to make up for the financial setback of him being out of work during recovery. My father's job entails a lot of physical labor, and due to the financial demands of moving, he had no choice but to return to work prematurely. Furthermore, he still needs to have his second shoulder surgery, in addition to a knee replacement that he has needed for over a year now, but has been delayed because of not being in the financial position to continue being out of work more than he already had to be. My mother’s source of income is disability per being a cancer survivor and legally blind in one eye.

Due to the Virginia housing rental/buyer guidelines, they have not qualified for any immediate housing options since moving out of the rental home and have been living with a family friend in Rocky Gap, VA since then.

Whilst being in Rocky Gap, VA, they have recently come across a small fixer-upper ranch home that they decided to commit to a rent-to-own contract with hopes of this home being their forever home. Here’s the kicker… this home is more than a fixer-upper. Although it has “good bones,” it is stripped bare to nothing but the studs and needs full remodeling to include other internal and external repairs.

As the holidays are rapidly approaching, the demand for stability and completion of my father’s surgeries is increasing by the minute. Our family has come together to help them as much as we can; however, it just hasn’t been sufficient enough to get the job done.

Any donations given will go directly to the renovations of the home and assist in their financial duties during my father’s recovery once he is able to have the additional surgeries.

My parents are the most wholesome, loving, and kindhearted people and have always given so much to anyone they know in need when they can, myself included. My only hope is to be able to return this kindness as best I can.

Your donations will be gratefully appreciated. Community, family, and friends, thank you so very much for your time and consideration in advance, and God bless