Help Julie and Kennan Recover After the Fire

On the night of December 28th, voices were heard at the house under construction next door to Julie and Kennan's New Orleans residence. Shortly thereafter, that house was engulfed in flames  and neighbors were in the street yelling to alert those in imminent danger.

Note: contrary to news reports, the Red Cross is not helping with this.

The fire set Julie and Kennan's roof ablaze, which resulted in severe fire damage to the attic, as well as extreme water damage to much of the interior of the house once the fire department arrived and began the extinguishment. The firefighters did what they had to do to save the house; unfortunately, that included busting out the ceiling in the living room and kitchen to access the fire in the attic.  Fortunately, no one was injured, but needless to say, the house is uninhabitable and Julie and Kennan, as well as one other tenant, are displaced. 




Julie's daughter Heather (the owner of the house) and son Johnny live in Colorado. Upon hearing the news late that night, Heather bought plane tickets for both of them. They were in New Orleans the next day and, at the time of this writing, have been dealing with the aftermath, both physically and logistically ever since.




In the days after the fire, there has been much serious discussion about how to move forward from this situation, especially in terms of housing . Julie and Kennan, being in their sixties, have decided that their best option would be a senior living community, for which there is generally a nine-to-twelve-month wait and significant move-in expense once the time comes.




Their two corgis, Gilda and Skylar, were taken to the vet for a checkup, where it was discovered that Skylar needed oral surgery. Their veterinary bills have totaled over $2,500 so far.




Insurance will ultimately cover much of the financial burden directly related to the fire, and many dear friends have been invaluable in offering space, service, and food in the tumultuous wake of this disaster. However, there are many immediate out-of-pocket expenses which are outside the scope of insurance coverage. We humbly ask that you contribute whatever amount you are comfortable with to assist Julie, Kennan, Heather, and Johnny in recouping financial expenses associated with plane tickets, car rental, cleaning and packing supplies, hotel reservations, temporary housing, moving and storage fees, vet bills, and significant time away from work, as well as securing comfortable, permanent living situations for Julie and Kennan and the other displaced tenant.




You can also offer your support by purchasing Julie's art. Like her Facebook page here .




Your assistance and generosity are deeply appreciated.