Help Marya K. Save Her Home

*I haven't been able to upload Marya's photos for some reason. I will keep trying!

My name is Anne Trapp (St. Pierre). Marya and I have been friends since I was in 4th grade and she was in 5th. I am doing this on her behalf as she requested. Here is the information she shared with me to pass along to you. Please consider helping. Thank you!

I moved to Western NC when my father passed away. Out of three siblings, I could work remotely, and wanted to be in the family home and closer to my mother in Asheville. The home will be passed to our children in turn, my Dad’s legacy to all of us.

On Friday, September 27, while I was watching the tiny river in the valley below me swell from 5-6’ across to 60’, worrying about when they’d get the power back on. I heard a CRUNCH, and a roar. The “trout ponds” that had been water diversion infrastructure for the tiny creek that flowed past the house, and had once housed a water wheel for electricity when the house was built in 1932, had given way. Suddenly, there was a river flowing next to the house. I’ve never seen a flash flood before, and had no idea how sudden and violent it could be.

I lived. The house is standing. But I’m now figuring out that insurance won’t cover repairing the infrastructure that saved my home and my life. I’m applying for any help available, but so are 10’s of thousands of my neighbors.

I’m able to use insurance and savings to replace the furnace, water heater, washer, and dryer; the septic system and drainage from the foundation might be covered, as may be my foundation damage. But the water diversion and the retaining walls near the house are not covered, nor is mold abatement from the 3 feet of water in the basement.

I’m so sorry to ask for help, but I don’t know what else to do. Any $ not used for my own repairs will be passed on locally to neighbors who are similarly affected by Helene. I wish I were fundraising for my community, but today, very wet hat in hand, I’m asking for myself.

Love,

Marya (and Anne)