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Ken Hamele is used to helping his family, friends and neighbors whenever they need a hand; that’s just how he is. Ken is a longtime dog lover and trainer. He considers his four hunting dogs to be part of his family, so when flood waters started rising near his home in Nebraska last month, their safety was his top concern. In fact, he knew that he needed to leave the home they all know and love when his oldest dog looked out at the driving rain and started to whine. As Ken says, “he knew something I didn’t. So I picked him up in my arms, left my house and started wading towards my truck.” With the rapidly rising water and the terrible wind, Ken concentrated on getting to his truck without being swept away.
Ken and his dogs survived the storms and rain but returned to devastation four days later. The record flooding had caused water to seep into his basement, six feet high. Along with the moisture came mud-up to six inches deep in some spots in his home. It was, in Ken’s words, “like nothing I’d ever seen before. I have lost so much.” Ken does not have flood insurance.
In the weeks since the flood, with the help from friends, family, and total strangers, Ken has filled five dumpsters with water and mud-soaked furniture, clothing and appliances. He has burnt out three utility pumps, trying to clear most of the water out of his basement. But even with the water gone, there are massive amounts of mud to deal with-inside and out. Ken’s beloved home currently has no electricity. His electrical box, furnace and air conditioner will have to be replaced. His water supply may be contaminated and he may need to have a new well installed. The dog kennels and fencing were destroyed and will have to be rebuilt. He also lost two cars, a brand new lawn mower and a John Deere Gator.
While Ken is still overwhelmed with the clean-up taking place, he is also incredibly grateful and humbled by all the people who have helped out, saying that “The way people have opened their hearts is just amazing. There are a lot of good people in the world.” If the weather cooperates and there is plenty of sun to dry everything out, Ken hopes to be back in his house by May 1st.
To help Ken get back on his feet and back in his house, please consider a donation. Your gift, large or small, will be truly appreciated.
Ken and his dogs survived the storms and rain but returned to devastation four days later. The record flooding had caused water to seep into his basement, six feet high. Along with the moisture came mud-up to six inches deep in some spots in his home. It was, in Ken’s words, “like nothing I’d ever seen before. I have lost so much.” Ken does not have flood insurance.
In the weeks since the flood, with the help from friends, family, and total strangers, Ken has filled five dumpsters with water and mud-soaked furniture, clothing and appliances. He has burnt out three utility pumps, trying to clear most of the water out of his basement. But even with the water gone, there are massive amounts of mud to deal with-inside and out. Ken’s beloved home currently has no electricity. His electrical box, furnace and air conditioner will have to be replaced. His water supply may be contaminated and he may need to have a new well installed. The dog kennels and fencing were destroyed and will have to be rebuilt. He also lost two cars, a brand new lawn mower and a John Deere Gator.
While Ken is still overwhelmed with the clean-up taking place, he is also incredibly grateful and humbled by all the people who have helped out, saying that “The way people have opened their hearts is just amazing. There are a lot of good people in the world.” If the weather cooperates and there is plenty of sun to dry everything out, Ken hopes to be back in his house by May 1st.
To help Ken get back on his feet and back in his house, please consider a donation. Your gift, large or small, will be truly appreciated.