Chattanooga received 6.4 inches of rain in a concentrated area, in a short amount of time on August 12, making it the second-wettest day in the city's recorded history. The severity of the situation led to a state of emergency being declared. My mother's home fell victim to these flood waters. The floors and walls of her house were covered by 6 to 9 inches of water.

We acted swiftly to remove flooring and carpeting so that the drying process could begin. Unfortunately, the subfloor in her kitchen is damaged enough to buckle in areas, and the molding/mildewing process is already beginning in the kitchen and dining room.

45 years ago, she and my dad moved to a house that was in the county. There was an overgrown field across the street that ran all along Hickory Valley Road, and their backyard was adjacent to forest land. Eventually, over their first decade, townhome communities began to replace those fields, and commercial businesses were built behind their residence, and an apartment complex was developed on the road that runs to the left of their property. All of the land on which these structures were placed was raised several feet before the building occurred, which eventually produced heavy flooding during prolonged times of rain.

After experiencing water damage twice in the next few years, my parents decided to raise the floors to prevent having to go through the anguish of cleanup ever again; and it worked for the past two decades.

Since flooding had not been an issue, after my father's passing, my mom dropped her flood insurance since she would now have only a single income. Flood insurance on her home adds $200 to her bill! It makes sense that the added risk of certain weather damage would make insurance costs greater, but $2,400/year seems criminal to me, as does the fact that in 45 years of paying home insurance, and not once filing a homeowner's claim, that it can't be taken into a case-by-case consideration.

This has been overwhelming and devastating for us. I cannot imagine what it must be for my mother, who has always been a strong, independent woman who is used to taking care of her business; never asking for help. She and my dad always had savings for emergencies. However, most know that it is hard for the elderly to afford living when they also have to pay for medications and doctor bills. Many elderly adults do without their medications to survive.

My mother was a bit mortified when I suggested doing a GoFundMe account. I honestly never saw myself having a need to create one, but her home needs to be cleaned and repaired, and it's the only way I can think of to make that happen. Lumber and well, everything is so expensive now. We would be beyond thankful if you could make a donation, no matter how small, and if you are unable, just to share this on your page. I am happy to answer any questions anyone might have. Thank you, from the bottoms of our hearts.