Help Keep Debbie in Metamora

Debbie Mann was among those impacted by the severe flooding that devastated communities across east central and southeastern Indiana on Aug. 12. Her longtime home in Metamora was hit especially hard, leaving her facing extensive damage and an uncertain path forward.

My name is Cassie Garrett, and I live in Metamora, Indiana. Debbie isn’t a stranger whose story I heard after the flood. She has been part of my life since I was a child. I grew up with her children, Jack and Tiffany, and some of my favorite childhood memories were made playing around their home, riding the canal boat and train, going to church together and simply growing up in this little town we all love.

Debbie is 73 years old and blind, and she lives alone. She has lived in her home for more than 40 years and knows every inch of it by heart. Despite not being able to see, Debbie navigated the house independently, cooked, climbed the stairs to her upstairs bedroom and lived her life there just as she has for decades.

The flooding changed all of that.

Water entered Debbie’s home and completely flooded her basement. The damage includes mold, ruined flooring and drywall, damaged plumbing and serious structural and foundation concerns. Her home has had to be gutted, and we still do not know whether it can ultimately be saved.

Through all of this, Debbie continues to say she is going to be okay. She knows learning a new house would be difficult, but she says she could do it if she has too. But more than anything, she just wants to stay in Metamora.

The heartbreaking part is figuring out how we give her a home here to learn.

Debbie lives on Social Security and did not have flood insurance on the home, because we could have never predicted this type of flooding. She simply does not have the financial means to repair what the flood destroyed, let alone rebuild if the house cannot be saved.

I am raising these funds on Debbie’s behalf to help provide her with a safe, permanent home in Metamora. Depending on what is ultimately determined about the condition of her current house, donations will be used toward the costs of repairing and making the home safe if possible, or toward demolition, site preparation, construction or placement of a replacement home if it cannot be saved. Funds may also be used for other necessary housing and recovery expenses directly related to getting Debbie safely back into a permanent home.

After watching people show up for one another over the past week, I have a hard time believing we are going to let Debbie face whatever comes next alone. I don't know yet exactly what the answer will look like or how we will get there, but I have no doubt God has a special plan for Debbie.

Our hope is simple: keep Debbie in Metamora, right where she belongs.

Every donation, no matter the amount, gets us a little closer. If you aren't able to donate, please consider sharing Debbie's story. That alone could help it reach someone who can.

From Debbie, her family and those of us who have been lucky enough to call her our neighbor and friend, thank you for helping us give back to someone who has been part of the heart of Metamora for more than 40 years. ❤️