Help Katrina Rebuild After Arson Attack

Hi, I'm Katrina and on August 20th an arsonist burned my house down. Even though the arsonist was caught and is awaiting trial, my insurance has denied my claim. While I work to fight the insurance company, I still have to pay property taxes at $5,000. I’ve also been ordered by the city to demolish what remains of the home as soon as possible, which is estimated to cost up to $40,000.

In the weeks leading up to the fire, I was at the house finishing up remodeling and cleaning to prepare it for sale. A family that had previously lived in the house was set to move back in and purchase it the following month so I had done several upgrades to the home in preparation. This included removing all the old carpet, refinishing the hardwood floors, tiling, updating plumbing, electrical, and the gas meters and lines.

I bought the house 19 years ago after my sister died from a doctor's negligence. My parents had sued the doctor, and from that suit, I was given $15,000 which I used as my down payment for the home. This money felt like blood money and would never make up for our loss but I didn't want it to go to waste. I wanted it to mean something, so I bought this relic of a house built in 1865 and started remodeling it bit by bit. I utilized the money I earned from renting it out over the years to do these renovations, only to have it burned down and be denied the money I’m owed for my insurance claim.

Despite the police arresting the arsonist who had burned down my house and 7 other homes over the summer, my insurance company has denied my claim. They were not being cooperative so I had to get the state DIFS involved to get them to send my policy documents and the sworn statement paperwork. I submitted the notarized sworn statement twice but each time, Farm Bureau kicked it back. They are now saying that I was being uncooperative and are using this as grounds to deny my claim.

I have talked to a few lawyers but they all predict it will take a year to fight the insurance companies decision. In the meantime, I could really use the help from my community to pay property taxes and mortgage payments that I owe as well as helping with the hefty cost of demolition.

I would so appreciate, if you are able, please donate. Every bit helps, whether it's $5 or $20.

Thank you, Katrina