Leah, Greg, Zayne and Skylar's Flooded home

Here we are AGAIN. It was just over a year ago, we were in this exact situation, a flooded home (due to a water pipe bust) and a loss of most of the contents inside. The only difference between this year and last is that we are now homeowners and not renters and instead of one child, we now have two, a 5-year-old and a 3-month-old. As many of you know, last year we were forced to find a place due to our townhome flooding and the landlord selling it with only 15 days notice. We had spent 31/2 years there and were paying month to month. Rentals were going for the same price as a mortgage (Thank you COVID) so we begin looking to purchase. The market was unbelievable. After being outbid on at least 3 offers and 5 months of living in a hotel, we found a home. Quite honestly, I believe desperation got the best of us and we purchased a home that needed a lot of work. If I'm honest, we bit off more than we could chew. We had to replace all of our belongings from the first flood on top of repairs to the new house. We are strapped. In full transparency, we struggle to make ends meet. It seems strange typing this because I know that most who read this are struggling to make ends meet as well. It has been a challenging year, to say the very least. This flood was unexpected and came out of nowhere. Our neighbors who have lived in this neighborhood for over 30 years, informed us that their place has never flooded. We have never seen destruction like this, except on the news. Our home took on 9-10 inches of water in the back and at least 3 inches throughout the rest of the home.

Because of the major loss of contents in our home as well as damage that will not be covered under our insurance (surprise for us), for the first time in my life I am asking friends and family for help. I have NEVER done this before and would never do this if it wasn't a true need. It isn't safe to have the kids in the house during moldy clean up and floors being replaced (hotels are not covered under our insurance) My mom and dad are willing to do help with the kids but Skylar is still nursing and no one has a month or two take off from work. (this was supposed to be my first week back). We wouldn't need to stay in a hotel every night but finances to make that decision as needed would be incredibly helpful. We also need the contents of our house to be replaced. We have lost 3 beds, 2 couches, a bassinet, changing table, cubbies, 4 Large area rugs, wooden shelving units (at least 10), a washer, a dishwasher, a stove, a dining room table and anything else made of wood. This is just naming a few things that we have noted in the last 24 hours. There is so much more. The island in our kitchen and the bottom cabinets are damaged (that will be covered by insurance but will take time to replace). The tiles in the house were lifted from the foundation and cracked during the flood. (as of right now we’re not sure if that will be covered) This is a hazard and so stressful. And lastly, electrical work. Insurance says that if it didn't make it to the outlet it won't be covered but we want this checked by a professional so that the kids are safe. Water was coming through the walls. Our current electrical board is very old so this makes it even more concerning now.

Any amount will help. I understand if you can't. Most everything we own is from the marketplace so the funds you give will not go to brand-new items unless we have no other option. We are frugal. I know what giving money to someone and not knowing if they will be responsible with it feels like. I'm overwhelmed with all that is in front of us and I know the cost to start again. I have to go back to work. I'm stressed about that as well. I have no more PTO due to maternity leave ( unpaid leave for that matter). Greg watches the kids so having a safe place is imperative when two sets of eyes can't be on the children when I'm not there. On a side note, my parents have been on this journey from the beginning of the first flood and have been beyond generous in their efforts to help. They can only do so much. We are hoping friends and family will rally with us and maybe it won't be so hard on any one person. I appreciate any consideration and THANK YOU. If you want to see pictures of the devastation please reach out. I'm happy to send them to you.