Powering Recovery - A Generator for Hurricane Relief

Like I've done after other hurricanes, I want to drive a generator and other equipment into the area where Hurricane Helene came ashore. This fundraiser is to help cover the costs of the generator and equipment that we will bring on this trip, and to bring all of us together doing something good for someone in need.

After helping people try to rescue their homes after Hurricane Harvey, we learned that one of the most important things that individual families need after the devastating floods and winds of a hurricane is a generator. Without power, you cannot keep safe from the searing heat of the deep south, you cannot keep a refrigerator running, you cannot run the power tools that you need in order to salvage what is left of a home, and you cannot run the fans necessary to rescue a home before devastating mold sets in. Unfortunately, generators near hurricane zones sell out almost immediately and do not reach homeowners in time to save their homes.

Two times after Hurricane Laura hit Louisiana in 2020 and again after Hurricane Ida hit the next year, we ran a GoFundMe, purchased a generator and other equipment, and drove it into the hurricane zone, not even knowing beforehand who we would find who would need it. Every time we found people in need and gave it to them with no expectation of repayment and no strings attached.

Hurricane Helene is much farther away from Austin, but helping a family again is worth the drive. If you will again help me cover the cost of the generator, some fans, and maybe a small window A/C unit, then we will make the 30+ hour round-trip drive into the Florida hurricane zone and find someone who can put it to good use. Regardless of how much is raised, we will cover all remaining costs.

This particular trip has special meaning for us. You see, my stepdaughter's friend passed away in a car accident a couple of months ago, but she left behind a list of things she was planning to do sometime during her life. One of those things was very specific; it was to go kayaking in a clear kayak in Crystal River, Florida with the manatees there. Several weeks ago, long before Hurricane Helene was brewing, we reserved flights, a car, and hotels to make this trip in her honor.

Because of the massive storm surge that Hurricane Helene brought to Crystal River, we do not anticipate seeing any manatees this trip and we have canceled the flights, etc.. Instead, we can turn this into an even more meaningful trip by helping someone in Crystal River or one of the surrounding areas, so that's what we're going to do. Any extra funds will go towards additional equipment or hard costs of the trip. After the trip we will post receipts for all purchases. We welcome you to join in with us by donating if you are able.

Anticipated schedule:

Drive from Austin to Pensacola on Friday. Drive into the destruction zone on Saturday, identify someone to help, give them the generator and equipment, and see if we have time to help with labor before driving back to Pensacola (it is important that we do not try to stay overnight in the hurricane zone since we would be taking up a hotel room that local residents need). On Sunday we will drive back from Pensacola to Austin.