Help my parents rebuild from IRMA
Donation protected
When Irma hit Jacksonville, the rainfall in combination with the surge from the St. Johns river caused massive flooding and damage to my parents home. As they were waiting out the storm things didn't seem too bad, it was only a Cat 1 or 2 once it reached north Florida. However, as the storm progressed the water suddenly rose around their home by almost 3 ft in less than half an hour. They barely made it out of the house in time and their truck even had trouble driving in the floodwaters trying to escape. Since the flooding was so unexpected there was almost no time to prepare to move all of the key items that make a house a home.
While my parents do have flood insurance, it only covers the structure of the house and none of the furniture, beds, and appliances that were ruined by the 3 ft+ floodwaters. They estimate the house will be unavailable for close to 6 months.
As some of you may know my stepdad, Brian is a mechanic and restores cars in his spare time. In addition, to the damage to the house, my parents also lost 3 cars to damage, a 1966 VW bug, a 1967 Mustang, and a 1992 Accord. Many tools and machines were also damaged in the garage/workshop as well.
Even a couple days later the floods still haven't receded to the point that adjusters/contractors can assess the damage, lending my parents homeless and scrambling to find support. Trees and powerlines are also down making it difficult to even get into their neighborhood.
They are applying for FEMA aid and looking at all the options to repair the damage IRMA has caused. However, millions of people are doing the same and some are still waiting for aid from hurricane Matthew. They are looking for some extra help to be able to live and work outside their home.
My parents are some of the hardest working people I know and would never ask for handouts unless it was truly needed. Whatever you can give will be extremly helpful as they begin to plan for one of the hardest phases of their lives. Even if you you can't give financially feel free to send a word of encouragement or a prayer their way. They would gladly appreciate it.
I'll update this page with any progress or information as it becomes available.
While my parents do have flood insurance, it only covers the structure of the house and none of the furniture, beds, and appliances that were ruined by the 3 ft+ floodwaters. They estimate the house will be unavailable for close to 6 months.
As some of you may know my stepdad, Brian is a mechanic and restores cars in his spare time. In addition, to the damage to the house, my parents also lost 3 cars to damage, a 1966 VW bug, a 1967 Mustang, and a 1992 Accord. Many tools and machines were also damaged in the garage/workshop as well.
Even a couple days later the floods still haven't receded to the point that adjusters/contractors can assess the damage, lending my parents homeless and scrambling to find support. Trees and powerlines are also down making it difficult to even get into their neighborhood.
They are applying for FEMA aid and looking at all the options to repair the damage IRMA has caused. However, millions of people are doing the same and some are still waiting for aid from hurricane Matthew. They are looking for some extra help to be able to live and work outside their home.
My parents are some of the hardest working people I know and would never ask for handouts unless it was truly needed. Whatever you can give will be extremly helpful as they begin to plan for one of the hardest phases of their lives. Even if you you can't give financially feel free to send a word of encouragement or a prayer their way. They would gladly appreciate it.
I'll update this page with any progress or information as it becomes available.
Organizer and beneficiary
Zachary Smythurst
Organizer
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Debra Bogle
Beneficiary
