You may or may not have heard about Hurricane Ida that just ravaged areas of the south this past Sunday night. One of those ravaged places is close to home for me…in fact, it was our family home. My family and I left New Orleans the day before the hurricane hit and headed inland to my parent’s house in Covington, LA. Unfortunately several oak trees on their property were either snapped in half or uprooted. At the height of the storm one of the trees landed on the roof of their house and garage, completely destroying it. It was terrifying, to say the least, and when the rain started immediately pouring in the house it was clear how bad the damage was. The power had already gone out hours before, so the situation truly felt dire. But we paused in the midst of it all to GIVE THANKS that no one was hurt or killed, because had anyone been upstairs that certainly could have been the case. We’re very grateful!
So the focus over the past few days has been getting the tree off of the house (which is happening today) and trying to secure available resources to pay for the damage. My parents have insurance, which is great, but it’s going to be a long while before things like reimbursements happen for eligible items. And then there is the deductible for repairing the house…if it’s even salvageable. Unfortunately, since alternate housing has not yet been finalized through their insurance they are still living in the house on the first floor (even though the air quality is terrible). Because there is still no power and the roof is open to the elements, mold and mild are growing rapidly which means they are in need in of fresh food and clean clothing.
My parents are my heart and I'm doing everything in my power to make sure they are safe and taken care of. That is why I’m asking for any amount of help you or anyone in your circle/network can give towards their immediate living expenses and deductible. We’re working on grant applications as well, but the outcome of those is uncertain and since my mom just retired this year they are living on a fixed income. Please feel free to share this link. Thank you in advance, your help and prayers are deeply appreciated.
Sincerely written, Sara Osi Scott
