Rebuilding After Ida: The Cobos Family

Hi Everyone,

 

My name is Jocelyn White, an Essex County, NJ resident, and I have been friends with Rebecca Cobos for close to twenty years; and have known her family for equally as long. Rebecca and her family were devastated by the hurricane and I would like to raise funds to help them get back on their feet, even if it's just a little, while they work to rebuild what was lost.

 

Hurricane Ida changed the lives of so many here on the East Coast. But a tight knit family in Elizabeth, NJ, known for giving so much unconditional love and support to their family and friends, took such an astronomical hit when mother, father, daughter(s), son(s), and grandchildren lost everything simultaneously - and within minutes. Stanely Cobos, Gloria Cobos, Rebecca Cobos, Sebastian Lemus, Lucas Lemus, Daniel Cobos, Danielle Cobos and their pets lost their homes in a blink of an eye.

 

It didn't take long for their basement apartments to flood via doorways and windows. Without much time, they grabbed important documents (passports, birth certificates, etc.), their children, their pets, and their cell phones while flood waters and sewage rushed their homes. They evacuated to the second and third floors of their apartment buildings while they watched their whole lives diminish.

 

 

 

Stanley and Gloria Cobos are the loving parents of Rebecca and Daniel Cobos and grandparents to Sebastian and Lucas. Stanley and Gloria relocated to Elizabeth, NJ from Jamaica, Queens to support their children in the raising of their grandchildren. Birthdays, anniversaries, and weeknight/end gatherings were just some of the ways they opened up their Elizabeth home to family and friends. Stanley, an avid collector of antiques and dedicated green thumb, took pride in showing off his collection of cabinets, rugs, and palms. Gloria, a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, made it her lifes work to make her home warm and comfortable - with seasonal decorations, family photos, and abundant family meals.

 

• Stanley and Gloria have lost all of their possessions, only able to save their clothing for washing - and just hardly. Family photos and heirlooms are gone. During salvaging attempts some items belonging to Stanley were stolen. They are unable to provide a space for their children and grandchildren after school. They are both homeless and sleeping on an air mattress back in Jamaica, Queens away from their children and grandchildren. They also lost their vehicle.
  

 

 

Daniel Cobos is the youngest of the three Cobos children and just married to his beautiful wife Danielle. Daniel and Danielle recently held their wedding after having to push it back due to COVID. They were saving up for their first home and planning to start their own family in addition to their two new kittens. They received an abundance of wedding gifts to fill their new home. Danielle LOVES to bake, and would spend her time creating cakes and cupcakes for her family and friends with the Kitchen Aid mixer gifted to her at her bridal shower. Daniel spends every day planning and providing the best for his wife - researching the best school districts for their little ones and looking for the perfect kitchen for Danielle's Kitchen Aid in their forever home.

 

• Daniel and Danielle were only able to save their important papers and their two cats. All of their items, including those gifts from their wedding have been destroyed. They are currently sleeping in the living room of a friends apartment (who also has a child) with their two pets. Because of the sudden influx of displaced residents, they are struggling to find reasonable accommodations within their budget.
  

 

 

Rebecca Cobos and her two sons Lucas (13) and Sebastian (5) are long time residents of Elizabeth. Both children are part of soccer clubs under Elizabeth recreation, while Sebastian is a vigorous swimmer and Lucas an advanced Tae Kwon Do student. Just recently, Rebecca completed the boys school shopping for their September 8th start since COVID, but also took the time out to redecorate her home to make it more comfortable for the boys. Rebecca was saving up to purchase her first home, as the two boys were sharing a room - but she decided to stay one more year for Lucas' last year before high school and wanted to make the apartment a little brighter with a fresh coat of paint. Rebecca is a hard working IT professional, but above all a devoted mother. Despite her busy schedule, she never cuts out time with her boys. Taking them to their activities, teaching them how to make breakfast and fold their laundry, and helping them with their homework (Lucas is an honor student) are just some of the things this Wonder Mom does.

 

• Rebecca's apartment was the worst apartment hit by Ida in her building damage wise. She was only able to salvage clothes (after being washed in hot water), documents, her work laptop, and a television that was mounted high up on the wall. Her children lost all of their school supplies (days before their first day), electronics, and toys. The children have also lost out on their activities, as Rebecca also lost her car in the flood. Rebecca and her two boys are sleeping in the living room of an extended family member's one bedroom apartment. Her 5 year old is traumatized from losing his home - he's just starting to understand why he can't go back home to play with his toys, but it's still an emotional toll.
  

 

The Cobos' would give everything and anything  needed if we were to experience such a loss, and without hesitation. We're not sure if or when Union County will be declared a recipient of FEMA - but we can't go another day knowing how this family is living right now - seperated from each other and with nothing left. 

 

This is a unique situation, where not one of these family members can run to the other for refuge. They all need our help to rebuild what has been lost. I ask that you all consider donating to help them get back on their feet. Every little bit counts. All funds go directly (in real time) to Rebecca, Lucas, Sebastian, Stanley, Gloria, Daniel, and Danielle to help them find new accommodations and get them started with basic necessities.