Help Our Dad John Cataldo Reclaim His Flooded Wisconsin Home

Our father John Cataldo woke up at 12:30 am on August 10th, 2025, to use the bathroom. What he woke up to was a nightmare. At that time four inches of water was already flooding into his house from all corners. He needed to be rescued by his daughter and son-in-law in the middle of the night as his driveway, lawn, and road were submerged under at least a foot of water. The historic severe weather Southeastern Wisconsin received - hit the New Berlin, WI area with 15 inches of rain overnight. The storm and torrential rainfall caused record flooding in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties. John's house does not have a basement for water to drain; massive waves hit his entire living space—living room, bedrooms, kitchen, and bathroom. Furniture was destroyed, carpets and tile were submerged, walls started to bulge out, and his fridge shorted out from the water. The aftermath has left John displaced from his home, as it is unlivable in its current state, while we try to help him recover. His insurance has denied him any help or coverage.

John is 77 years old, widowed, and retired. He lives alone, surviving on his small amount of social security each month to cover basic expenses. He cherishes his house dearly as this is where his wife Kathleen and he raised their seven children. The family is coming together to help in any way possible. We are trying to raise $50,000 to aid in recovery. Donations will go towards cleaning and repairing the house in the attempt to make it safe to live in once again. We need to replace walls, furniture, carpet, appliances, and fixtures he lost due to water damage.

If you could find it in your heart to help our dad, John Cataldo, get his home back, we would be grateful. We understand thousands of families are in need in Wisconsin during this emergency, so helping anyone during this time of crisis is a wonderful gift. Even simply sharing this story is helpful.

The Cataldo family thanks you for your time and donation.