Hurricane Laura Relocation and Assistance-Ellen

Hi, my name is Ellen Paulson. On August 27, 2020,  Hurricane Laura (CAT 4) hit my city of Lake Charles, LA. The winds were clocked at the Port of Lake Charles at 174 mph. As you can see in the photos (not mine), the hurricane has demolished our city. It is not an overstatement to say I haven’t seen a building that doesn’t have damage. Every other building will have to be rebuilt due to the damage it suffered. The city is still under a mandatory evacuation order. If you stay, you must be self-sufficient and don’t rely on 911.


It is anticipated we will not have power or water for approximately 2-3 months. You are lucky if you can find one gas station open a day and you may not get any gas because of the lines. Grocery stores either have no food, closed due to no power or are demolished. FEMA is handing out water. I found one church serving hot meals, better get there early. Ice and water are hard to come by. The major hospital is closed because of no power and has moved patients to outlining cities.


There will be no jobs. Everything is destroyed. People will have to wait for insurance payouts before businesses can rebuild and that can take months if not years, that is IF they decided to stay in our city. And to top it off, a looter was shot one block away from my house. It’s pitch black at night and scary as anyone can come into your home.


It is uninhabitable at this time. I had to make a quick decision to move in with a relative in Salem, Oregon, 2400 miles away. I need work. I have bills to pay. I can't wait for the rebuild to survive. I had no money to take this relocation trip, but I was lucky enough to borrow money from someone whom I’d like to payback as soon as possible so she can use the money for her evacuation and repairs cost. ($1000).

Finding a job in a new community takes time. Meanwhile, I have a car payment, new car insurance to obtain, register my car in a new state, keep my phone on so I get calls regarding jobs, gas to get to jobs and of course food. I have temporary free housing but cost of utility assistance is requested, (which is understandable). ($1000 per month for mentioned in paragraph x 2 months=$2000 requested).

I'm not a beggar. I’ve been pretty self-sufficient most of my life and I’m embarrassed to ask for help. I am swallowing my pride this time, because I really do need assistance until I find a job.

As some of you know, it’s been an extra hard year with unfortunate challenges for me. We have all had Covid obstacles so I’m sure you can understand my frustration when my job was put on hold in March and I haven’t worked since. I broke my leg about 11 weeks ago, which I am still recovering from. This hampered me from seeking employment. I've been pretty good at handling those challenges. Now the hurricane and having to relocate to where I have temporary housing and to seek employment. It’s been a bit much, but if nothing, I am persistent and I will prevail! But at this time, I do need help. 

I’m trying to be reasonable with my request goal. I asking for assistance for only the necessary costs to get me through for a couple of months and repayment of relocation travel fees. If you have an extra dollar, five, ten, any small amount will help.

Please share with your friends if you think they may be able to help with my need at this time.

I appreciate all of you and with my deepest heart, THANK YOU!

Ellen