Help Tracey Go Home

My sister, Tracey Sapp, is a hard working, kind, dedicated educator. She’s self employed and owns a educational center where students can be tutored or attend school fully. She spends her time with her students, in church, or helping elderly people in her community. She’s developed a close relationship with her neighbor’s dog, David, who she walks nearly everyday. 

On June 5, 2019 my sister's life changed. Her home that she worked so hard for was severely damaged in a fire caused by lightning. The fire damaged everything other than the bedrooms. She has home insurance but they are denying her the full amount of her claim. It seems to be a classic case of racial discrimination. The insurance adjuster went through her home without her and threw things away without her permission. He then made a mistake in his reading of her deed and questioning her ownership that caused a serious delay. That delay pushed construction into COVID times which caused more delays. The insurance company refuses to replace the front door that was kicked in by the firemen and the back door in the garage where the fire was located.  The roof of one bedroom is damaged. The insurance company refuses to pay. The insurance adjuster even implied that Tracey only had one bed in a 3 bedroom home after the firemen threw away all her mattresses. The insurance company stopped paying living expenses and storage in the middle of a pandemic. They are denying that items she purchased cost a certain amount and they are low balling her on replacement costs.  They ask questions about how she is able to afford her mortgage in her current circumstances. The answer? Hard work. Tracey faithfully paid her home insurance for over 17 years and now when she needs her benefits she is being denied.

Tracey has filed 3 complaints with the state. The first and second claim seemed to be ignored by the same case manager. However, the third claim is hopefully being taken more seriously by a different case manager. After speaking with others in her area, Tracey realized that she was a part of a trend of people of color being denied their full benefits by that insurance company. 

So here we are. Tracey has been displaced from her home for nearly 2 years. She's ready to go home, but she needs funds to complete the construction, furnish her home and get there. Approx $30,000 is needed.  $15,000 for construction, $10,000 for furniture and $5,000 for fixtures. 

Tracey is ready to home. June 5th will be 2 years since the fire. We would like to get the funds as soon as possible. We’re hoping to meet our goal in 1 month by the end of June.  

We appreciate your time and consideration. Any help is appreciated. Thank you!