Help repair from a devastating flash flood
Donation protected
Hey — it’s me, Abigail. I’m here trying to raise money for my dad and my family after a devastating flash flood destroyed nearly everything.
What Went Down:
On July 19th, the finished basement of my dad’s house — where my sister and grandma lived — completely filled with water. And it wasn’t just a few inches. The lower level flooded almost up to the ceiling and the main level of the basement was several feet underwater. Police were there and evacuated everyone out of the house. My dad was downstairs trying to save stuff when the water broke the doors open and came rushing in. Luckily, he made it out unharmed. They had no time to save anything.
That basement wasn’t just storage space — it was their home. Two bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen, living room, laundry — everything. My dad built it for them to get them out of their home in Cahokia. They’d only been living here a couple of years, and now it’s all been taken away.
All my dad’s hard work, all the money they spent — gone overnight. The water destroyed everything. Furniture, clothes, appliances… even Grandma’s photo albums are ruined. They lost every single thing they own.
My dad’s shed was flooded; he lost his zero-turn lawn mower, his brand new snow blower, along with the rest of his tools.
The furnace and water heater were located in the basement and submerged under 7 feet of water. They cannot be salvaged and have to be replaced. All appliances — washer, dryer, stove, refrigerator. All furniture, TVs, other electronics.
Not to mention, just the restoration alone — removing everything and all the hazardous material, cleaning and treating everything — is almost $20,000. Just to make their home safe and livable.
The flood completely destroyed everything on the lower level of their home. It wasn’t just a finished basement; it was my sister and grandma’s entire home that they lost.
Why This Hits So Hard:
None of the damage from the flash flood and storm damage is covered under their insurance. He’s lived here for years and never once had water in the house or standing water in their yard. But that night, the rain came down so hard, so fast, the city’s drainage system couldn’t keep up. Several homes in the area flooded.
Now, they’re left with nothing to fall back on. Grandma is stuck sleeping on the couch. My sister is having to stay with friends. They have nowhere to live.
My sister lost everything she owns. My grandma, who’s in her 70s, has COPD, lupus, and just had a stroke a little over a year ago, now has nothing. On top of all the major expensive things they lost, they lost all the little things as well. Warm blankets, kitchen dishes, collectibles, sentimental items, etc. My dad is heartbroken. He’s a hard worker, but rebuilding from a disaster like this is way beyond his budget.
What We’re Hoping to Do:
We’re asking for $100,000 to help cover:
• Water cleanup & mold remediation — the house needs to be safe again
• Repairs — walls, flooring, plumbing, electrical, furnace, water heater… it’s all ruined
• Essentials — fridge, beds, washer/dryer, kitchen supplies, furniture
• Daily needs — clothing, toiletries, groceries, the basics to get by
Why I’m Sharing This:
They need help. My dad can't financially cover this type of catastrophic loss. I’d give anything not to have to write this. Maybe someone out there can give $10, $20 — or even just share this with a friend. It all adds up.
How You Can Help:
• Donate whatever you can
• Share this link on social media or with anyone who might care
Thank You:
If you’re reading this — thank you. Seriously. Just thinking of us means more than you know. We’ll post updates along the way, so you can see exactly how much your help means to us.
Love,
Abigail
Organizer
Abigail Hart
Organizer
O'Fallon, IL