Hurricane Help for Katie&Phil Jones Englewood FL

Hi family and friends. Most of you know that unless it was essential, I would never ask for this type of help for myself. I have always preferred to give than receive, as I know most of you are probably the same way. As you all know Phil, myself and my mom are Florida residents. We love it here but it does have one major drawback.....hurricanes and what we just survived was catastrophic and unbelieveable.

We rented our home and unfortunately it was a total loss. Like so many other residents our first priority is finding a place to live which is extremely challenging right now. We are currently staying with Phil's cousins about 3 hours north of Englewood where we reside. I am supposed to return to my job at the school on October 17th which won't be possible with a 3 hour commute. The home we rented came fully furnished, so now we are not only faced with replacing our belongings but furnishing a home as well. We don't require much but as you know even the basic necessities add up so quickly. We have applied for assistance but have no idea how long it will take and what it will be if anything.

We spend each day trying to figure all of this out as well as figure out everything for my mom who also rents and has had damage to her home as well. Thankfully she is staying with a good friend of hers at this time since she cannot be in her house due to the possibility of mold.

We are so thankful and blessed to be safe, here and alive and also to have so many wonderful people who have helped us and want to help us as we put our lives back together. It's going to be a long and strenuous road but we will make it through just like we always do. Each morning I have to remind myself that "it's not about waiting for the storm to pass (although we did just that while it sat on us for about 6 hours) but about learning how to dance in the rain"

Thank you to all who have called, text, emailed and offered to help. It all helps so very much and we are grateful to have you in our lives.

Sending all our love always - Katie and Phil