Hi, my name is Lina, neighbor of the Allans. During the winter they had an electrical fire that destroyed their home and has left them displaced and struggling to rebuild their lives.

A close community member, Mike from Big Mike’s Happy Hearts and Helping Hands, connected me with this couple and thought I could help them make a GoFundMe campaign.

To this day, very little help has come their way. The loss was overwhelming—physically, financially, and emotionally. Because their homeowners insurance had lapsed, they are now facing the unimaginable task of rebuilding without the financial support most families would rely on. Thus why I’m making this GFM, hoping and praying that help comes their way.

On top of this, they are dealing with health challenges and an overwhelming sense of freeze paralysis that often comes after trauma—when everything feels like too much to even know where to begin. The work that needs to be done is overwhelming. Some people would be quick to start working and rebuilding but others, like them, struggle to begin, I suffer a bit of this and understand them to a certain degree. I’m begging those who are quick on their toes to please come help this couple out. I’m overwhelmed with the insurmountable mountain before us and have no idea who to help other than making this please for help on their behalf. They need help of all kinds especially guidance and hands to walk them through this. They are not just in need of money and donations of various sorts—they need a community-it’s literally going to take a village!

—Where Things Stand Right Now

Right now, Mark and Norah and their two adorable dogs are still without stable living conditions. Their immediate needs include:

* Restoring electricity and wiring etc (currently disconnected at the pole)

* Getting running water (they don’t have water and currently have to haul gallons jugs from elsewhere)

* Cleaning out fire-damaged structures and salvaging what can be reused or repurposed

* Converting their garage into a small home where they can live there henceforth

—What They Need Most

This is not just a rebuild—it’s a full restart. These are some of the things they need to rebuild. Perhaps some people in our community have some to donate or your donations can help them buy them. Please consider dropping off anything you think might be helpful to them to get this project underway.

* Dumpster for fire debris removal

* Insulation

* Dry wall

* Dry wall screws

* Joint tape

* Mud

* Nails

* Lumber

* Plywood sheets

* Paint inside and out

* Flooring

* Trim

* Interior doors

* Cabinets & vanity

* Countertops

* Tankless hot water heater

* Kitchen & bathroom sinks...may have

* Toilet...may have

* Bath tub

* Water proofing

* Plumbing

* Water supply

* Electricity

* Sewer line & vents

* Electrical wiring

* Receptacles

* Pipes

* Fixtures

* Outside outlet

* Roofing...our metal Roofing

* Sub flooring

* Windows...may have

* Drains

* Outside doors

* Siding

* Flashing

* Light fixtures

* Ceiling fan

* Faucets kitchen & bathroom

—Skilled Volunteers Needed

We are also asking for help from:

* Electricians

* Plumbers

* General contractors / builders

* Construction helpers

* Organized project coordinators (to help schedule volunteers, donations, and rebuild efforts). If you have a gift to organize and plan no matter who you are please help!

We are also hoping to have various community work days. Our first work day will be Saturday June 27th, the last Saturday of this month. We’re inviting church groups, local organizations, and volunteers, hoping we can come together to help in the capacity that each one can. If you’re looking to help clean up, I’d suggest wearing a mask or some type of protection because the smell in the house is pretty strong and I fear that it will become moldy very soon.

—Goal of This Campaign

Because rebuilding the entire home seems utterly out of financially reach, the immediate goal is:

Convert their existing garage into a safe, livable home space

Restore electricity and basic utilities

Stabilize living conditions so recovery can continue step by step

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Other Donations that are needed:

If you have any of the following items or can help source them, it would be deeply appreciated:

* Building materials (listed above)

* Tools and construction equipment

* Storage space for salvaged items during rebuilding

* Household essentials

* Clothing and shoes

⸻

Clothing & Personal Needs

Mark and Norah also lost nearly all personal belongings in the fire. And are in urgent need of:

Norah:

* Summer clothing

* Size 8 shoes (tennis shoes)

* Size Large baggy clothing (elastic waist pants/shorts preferred)

* XL shirts

Mark:

* Size 13 extra wide shoes

* XL shirts (extra long preferred)

* Large elastic waist shorts/pants

Pets:

* Dog brushes and cat brushes

* Thunder jackets / winter coats for dogs

* Cat scratching post

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Drop-Off Location for Donations or to mail in checks:

5257 Rose Street, Gladwin, MI 48624

*Make checks payable to Mark Allan

—A Final Word

Please consider donating and sharing this campaign. Even the smallest donation adds up. As someone who’s suffered financially, trust me, no donation is too small. And every dollar is appreciated. And sharing goes a long way too!

Thank you for reading, caring, and helping them not walk this road alone.