Help My In-Laws Recover From Hurricane IDA
Michelle's sister and husband, Suzanne & Pete Milano, evacuated to our house in Nashville from Folsom, La. to survive Hurricane Ida. They are 65 years old and husband in poor physical health.
On 9/1 when storm had passed they decided to drive back and check on home damage and begin the massive cleanup process. I decided that prayers for them were not enough. They needed my boots on the ground helping with the heavy lifting. So I loaded up my truck with key supplies for them, water, ice, gasoline, food and tools and made the 8 hour drive with them. There were people in half mile lines to get gas, water and ice as far as 40 miles north of Folsom. I knew I was in for a rough time. I was awestruck when arriving in Folsom and seeing first hand the devastation to the small town and environment. Trees and power lines down everywhere. I got out of my truck on their long driveway through the woods and reality set in hard. 95 degrees, 98% humidity and only breeze was from me shutting the car door. They had 120 ft. pine trees laying across drive, in yard and one just clipping their house. Thank God there was no major house house damage other than gutter and no power for 3 days. We worked hard in the heat cutting trees, cleaning up debris and building 12' x 12' burn piles. The generator could only power the refrigerator and fans leaving us to get relief only by getting in our cars with AC running, day and night. It was 5 days in hell for me. I got back home on 9/6 and thanked God for all I have and their continued safety.
I'm raising money to pay for their travel expenses, tree removal (huge trunks that can't be moved by man), new generator and living expenses. Their financial resources are limited. FEMA denied their assistance claim because they told the truth on key question: Is your house uninhabitable? "NO" they clicked.
FEMA does not consider power loss as grounds for "uninhabitable". FEMA nor Insurance doesn't cover tree removal or displacement if your house is habitable. Being good Christians they had to be truthful and there were people worse off them them who needed government help. Please contribute if you can and take a minute and be grateful for what you are blessed with. It could be gone in a minute, as I saw first hand. I will be sending all funds directly to Pete & Suzanne.
Thank you and God bless you,
Bob Janasek