Help Rachel and Jon Rebuild After Hurricane

Rachel has always been one of those ‘quiet helpers’ to her friends, family, and even strangers. She’s been there for so many through the years. From celebrations such as wedding showers and milestone birthdays, to dealing with tragedies and loss, Rachel shows up when people need her.

Now, she could use a little help herself, although she would never ask for it.

Rachel and Jon’s charming home in St. Petersburg flooded with two feet of water during Hurricane Helene in late September. They are now faced with the daunting task of fixing their home and replacing nearly everything. Some clothes and items above the flood line were able to be salvaged, but that’s about it. Every appliance and piece of furniture they owned is now piled on the curb, reduced to trash waiting to be hauled off. They are fortunate to have insurance to cover a portion of the repairs, but unfortunately, it will not cover a single item of furniture or any of their other possessions.

Take a walk through your home and imagine that everything from two feet down is going in the trash. Open your drawers, your closets, and cabinets. Sure, there’s some junk, but also a lot of things that are either functional and necessary, or deeply sentimental. Like that copy of “Little Women” that your grandma gave you for Christmas when you were 9. Your softball glove. That new set of pots and pans you finally splurged on in the lower kitchen cabinets. It’s so overwhelming that you can’t bear to even think about it.

Thankfully, Rachel, Jon, and their precious pets (Wilson, Waldo and Winnie) are safe and sound. However, as the initial shock and adrenaline of the situation wanes, reality is setting in. The rebuilding process could take a long time. They need to find alternate housing for who knows how long – yet continue to pay the mortgage. They need to be able to work their jobs while managing a renovation and a move that no one had planned. The costs are already adding up and it is downright scary.

Our plea, on behalf of Rachel and Jon, is simple. If you have the means to contribute any amount to help them rebuild their lives after this horrific life event, please do.

Thank you.