Help Jessa, Bob and M Rebuild their home

Aloha & Mabuhay!

In September of 2021, Hurricane Ida devastated parts of the East and Gulf Coast. Ida, a category 4 hurricane left a trail of destruction in her wake. Jessa and Bob Sabo, along with Jessa's sister M (Mary) and their dogs were among the many families that were terribly affected.

Ida has left their home in disarray and significantly affected the structural integrity of the house. We are trying to raise enough funds to give Jessa, Bob and M the allowance they need in the event of unforeseen expenses that might arise during the rebuilding process. It is expected that the entire home will be demolished and rebuilt from the ground up. This process was estimated to take one year.

The insurance company and FEMA are filled with red tape, and tons of paperwork that will delay the eventual rebuilding of their home. A portion of the funds raised will assist with finding long-term temporary housing (6 months or more) for Jessa, Bob and M and the dogs.

M has been affiliated with Apicha Community Health Center for over 20 years, working to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic among LGBTQ New Yorkers. She has dedicated her life and talent to working on the front line, one-on-one with members of the community to support and educate them on healthier living. Her passion for ending HIV/AIDS has not waned in the 20 + years she has done this work. Jessa also joined her sister at Apicha Community Health Center to work in the administration, particularly lending her talents as a medical coder/biller to ensure that the agency continues to receive the revenue it needs so that it may bring patient-centered, supportive healthcare to some of New York's most marginalized communities. Bob is a kind gentleman with hearty laugh and hospitable attitude, who always welcomes a good BBQ at the home.

We are continuing to live our lives among a global pandemic, social change, in addition to our daily grinds. Your contribution at this time to a family that has given so much of their time, talent and skills towards improving the health of New Yorkers would not be overlooked. Please give what you are comfortable with giving, you are also welcomed to share this fundraiser and contribute again if you are able. We are looking to raise our funds by the end of October 2021 as it is expected the rebuilding process will commence in November of 2021.

Let's come together for Jessa, Bob and M. M has particularly been a rock for so many people, it would be an injustice to describe because we only have so many characters permitted on this description.

Thank you. Salamat, Mahalo.

Below are some photos of the damage to the home. These are being shared for transparency.

foundation/basement flooding and damage

additional flooding/foundation damage

M surveying the damage in the basement prior to receiving instructions to stay out of the basement per the engineers.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZER: Rodolfo (RJ or Kaleo) Mendoza-Nadal is a former co-worker of M's. They worked together on adult HIV testing and counseling at Apicha Community Health Center. First as colleagues, then friends, then chosen family, RJ and M celebrate 10 years of friendship this November. M has always had RJ's back at work and in life, was a lady of honor at RJ's wedding, and is a godmother to his baby. RJ is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of M, Jessa and Bob, as they are all constantly dealing with the insurance companies, FEMA, as well as living their daily lives. Please consider giving, as all funds will be directly transmitted to Jessa, Bob and M. Funds will be used for 1. Securing long-term sublets/temporary housing (6 months or more) 2. Rebuilding expenses. and 3. Replacement of furniture (beds, desks, tables, couches).

Salamat!