Help Susan Overcome Her House Fire Loss

I’m Susan, and this past August, while I was out of town for my birthday, my house caught fire. Basically, everything I owned, with the exception of what was in my suitcase, was destroyed. My two cats didn’t survive, although I was told the firemen tried to save them. My house is now just four exterior walls and inside studs. You can see from one end of the house to the other.

Recently I found out that the cost of demolition, which has been paid, along with the reconstruction estimate, exceeds the amount my insurance company will cover. The mortgage company holds the funds. I was told that, until the available funds match the cost of reconstruction, no checks will be distributed. That means my contractor can’t get paid for basic things like permits and restoring the utilities—things needed to start the reconstruction. I will be pleading with the insurance company to provide more funds, but…

I have been a semi-permanent resident at the Residence Inn. They have taken great care of me, and it’s been nice not having to change my sheets and towels and clean. :) But I miss my house and my neighborhood. I miss my cats.

The total difference in funds is about $40,000, of which $22,000 is to replace the back wall due to termite damage. This was done before the fire, so I have to come up with that much myself since it is not covered. I’m hoping that if I can pay for that, the insurance company will increase the amount they will pay to cover the rest. So I am asking for help. Any amount you can contribute will earn you a rock in the rock garden I am building in the backyard. Your first name will be permanently displayed as a reminder of the generosity and kindness of everyone who helps me through this life-changing experience.

Thank you for reading my story.