I CANNOT GIVE UP NOW!

Hi, My name is Phillip Allen and I need your help. It all began about 4 months ago when my daughter’s (Akilah Allen) brother, Micheal Miller was shot to death on the south side of Chicago on March 5, 2022. I was living in Maryland Heights, Missouri working two jobs. Amazon wear house and Dunkin’ Donuts.my mother Angela Allen is a two- time Cancer survivor who lives with me. Once I heard of what happened to Micheal I told my manager that I was leaving for Chicago, knowing my daughter just lost her best friend. This was her senior year in high school and she was ready to give up on school. I felt so bad for her because I was living in another state and her mom just lost her first born and broke down tremendously.

I decided to pack my mother and mover closer to my daughter. I contacted a Dunkin Donuts owner he had an opportunity for me in Lake Forest, Illinois and was able to begin working on April 1, 2022 as the store manager. I quickly began my search of a nearby apartment and found one in lake bluff , Illinois, about 10 minutes from my store. Everything was going good and my daughter finished her senior year off strong and moved in with my mother and I after she graduated. She also just had her 18th birthday on July 15. I got mom and daughter a job with me at Dunkin’ Donuts. Everything seemed to be coming together beautifully.

July 23, 2022 a little under four months of living in my basement apartment, I woke up for work at 3:44am as normal and water was streaming in the apartment at a fast rate. I reached for my phone charger and I got shocked. I started screaming to my mom and daughter to wake up and get out! We’re going to get electrocuted. Mama was screaming help I need to get my medicine. We got out and watched as 5 feet of water submerged our apartment. Everything sat in backed up sewage water and for over 36 hours and all belongings were 100% loss. We’ve even living a a motel since Saturday.

My home owners insurance doesn’t cover a flood. I have nothing now and neither does my mom and daughter. Catholic charities told me they were out of funds. I opened a case with Red Cross who helped with a $515 Visa card to get underwater,food, toiletries, and a pair of pants and shirt for us. I called to get more help and they said to look to family and friends.

I have to stay strong for my family and try to pick up from nothing. I cannot give up now. I need help. Furniture, clothes, shoes, food, electronics, beds, we’re all destroyed with a little piece of us as well. I need help.

               It’s amazing to see how many people have stepped up and helped me so far. We are well on our way to recovering from our loses. I am working around the clock to secure housing for me and my family. The power of prayer really works and all of you are angels to me….. we are a lil short of our goal and thankful for everything. GOD is good.