I am 85 years old and live alone on a beautiful property backing up to the Elk River in Eureka, CA, which I purchased in April 2021 to be closer to my son. Before moving here, I spent over three years as a volunteer in Dharamsala, India, developing and leading girls’ and women’s groups in support of the Dalai Lama’s initiative to empower Tibetan women and girls. This home has been a place of peace and purpose for me, surrounded by nature and the support of my family. I enjoy leading empowerment groups at Healthsport in my community.
On December 22, 2025, my life was turned upside down when the Elk River in Eureka, CA reached an unprecedented flood level. Six feet of muddy water surged into my basement, destroying the water heater and almost reaching the top of the basement stairs. The floodwaters also entered the cottage behind my house, which I rent out, leaving an inch of mud inside. My small but precious writing hut, overlooking the field and redwoods, was flooded with 18 inches of water, and my storage shed—holding the water purification system, yard tools, and other belongings—was equally affected.
My flood insurance is costly, and the deductible alone is more than I can manage on my fixed income. I have already spent what I have renting equipment and paying for help to pump out water from the basement and clear water and mud from the cottage and writing hut. I am grateful that no one was in the cottage at the time of the flood, but I rely on that rental income to pay my monthly bills. Right now, I am struggling to cover even my regular expenses because of the unexpected costs from the flood.
I am reaching out to my community and anyone who feels moved to help. Your support will help me cover the insurance deductible and get my home and rental cottage back to a livable state. Any contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference and help me recover from this devastating event. Thank you for your kindness and support.
On December 22, 2025, my life was turned upside down when the Elk River in Eureka, CA reached an unprecedented flood level. Six feet of muddy water surged into my basement, destroying the water heater and almost reaching the top of the basement stairs. The floodwaters also entered the cottage behind my house, which I rent out, leaving an inch of mud inside. My small but precious writing hut, overlooking the field and redwoods, was flooded with 18 inches of water, and my storage shed—holding the water purification system, yard tools, and other belongings—was equally affected.
My flood insurance is costly, and the deductible alone is more than I can manage on my fixed income. I have already spent what I have renting equipment and paying for help to pump out water from the basement and clear water and mud from the cottage and writing hut. I am grateful that no one was in the cottage at the time of the flood, but I rely on that rental income to pay my monthly bills. Right now, I am struggling to cover even my regular expenses because of the unexpected costs from the flood.
I am reaching out to my community and anyone who feels moved to help. Your support will help me cover the insurance deductible and get my home and rental cottage back to a livable state. Any contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference and help me recover from this devastating event. Thank you for your kindness and support.