Hi, my name is Charlotte Willcox and I’m a lifelong Louisianan that was born and raised in Shreveport. If you're a friend of my family, you likely associate us closely with our little corner of Shreveport at Gilbert and Elmwood Circle. I'm reaching out to those who care about us and our network for support—my mom, Teresa, and I need help securing temporary housing while our family home is being rebuilt.

On June 16, 2023 our beloved family home on Elmwood Circle in Shreveport, Louisiana was destroyed by wind damage during a storm. The Louisiana Governor declared a state of emergency due to this unusually severe storm, which caused extensive damage in Shreveport and left tens of thousands without electricity for up to a week. One of our beautiful oak trees fell into our living room, and the home has been uninhabitable since that day. This house holds deep meaning for us and those who have been part of our lives. It has always been a place where you can come as you are and be yourself, all thanks to my mom.

My newlywed parents bought this home in 1989 as a home for their growing family. The charming brick house on the cul-de-sac supported our family as it grew to six members and became a home-away-from-home for all of our friends. Mom consistently created a safe, welcoming environment for family friends and other children, supporting them in countless ways. She was always there with a place to stay, a warm meal, a comforting hug, and a listening ear.

Almost a year after this devastating storm, no remediation or construction has begun on Mom’s home due to drawn out delays from our home insurance company and mortgage lender–a problem that many Louisianans know all too well. We are very close to finally getting repairs started, and contractors estimate the work will take at least 6 months.

But the home insurance policy only covers Mom’s temporary housing until 1 year after the storm date. Starting this summer on June 1, 2024 Mom has to move into another temporary apartment/house and pay for all her own cost of living expenses.

Due to her disabilities, Mom does not have a current source of income and has been living off of savings while waiting for an official disability determination as well as legal division of assets following divorce from her ex-husband/my father.

I have to leave New Orleans, which has been my home for the last 7 years, to move back home to Shreveport to financially support Mom as she waits for her home to be finished.

Due to various legal and financial challenges, my family does not have the funds needed to complete this move to yet another temporary house.

With a goal of $8,000 Mother Teresa and I can stably re-establish ourselves while we wait for construction to finish and reconfigure our finances.

Your donation will go toward the following expenses: