Help the Howes Overcome Mold Moving Crisis!

My name is Rev. Amy Petrie Shaw, and I'm raising money for the Howe family of Venice Florida. Ayleen Howe is a friend, and the amazing Office Manager for the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Venice.

Ayleen and Shane Howe and their three sons need help, quickly. After Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the building and apartment where they have lived for the last 4 years has become infested with black mold. Their landlord says they have to be out of the building permanently by December 28th, 2024.

Temporary remediation measures like painting and ripping out infested wallboard buys them a little time so that the mold won't make them sick, but they have to move in 60 days.

To get into a new rental house or apartment they need "first, last, and security deposit," and this is a challenge. For a young family of five, money is always an issue, even with everyone working. They have jobs, and can afford up to $2,200 a month in rent- but that means they would need to have between $6,600 and $7,600 available to pay the landlord of the new location, right at Christmas time and with only 60 days notice. That doesn't include the costs for a moving truck or supplies.

This is a nightmare.

Ayleen and Shane and their sons need your help. Our $8,000 goal will pay for "first, last, and deposit" with some left over for boxes and packing materials. The average cost today to move a family of five is between $3,000 and $12,000, so this move will be very tight.

Please help if you can.