
Flood relief Rick & Cathy Chirpich
Donation protected
On behalf of my brother and his wife, Rick and Cathy Chirpich, I would like to thank everyone who so generously donated to help them through a very difficult time. The tremendous support and kindness from so many has been truly wonderful. My original goal was to raise $15,000 for them. I’m so happy to report that, as of December 12, Rick and Cathy have received $25,600 from GoFundMe and PayPal donations. Thank you everyone so very much!
I want to update you all on their situation and the progress that has been made.
In mid-August 2016, they lost virtually all of their belongings when their home in Denham Springs, Louisiana, was submerged by devastating floods. The frame and roof of the house were intact after the waters retreated, but there was major damage throughout the house. Since then, Rick and Cathy have spent their evenings after work and every weekend, laboring to repair and reclaim their home.
At first, countless hours were spent sorting through debris, tearing out damaged materials, and blasting humidifiers around-the-clock to dry out and salvage the frame. There was an unending maze of insurance, FEMA, and construction requirements to sort out. It was many weeks before they could even begin to put the house back together.
I'm happy to report that Rick and Cathy have made great progress in the past four months, especially since they are committed to doing much of the construction work themselves. They tore out and replaced all windows and doors throughout the house. They completely gutted drywall and insulation, installed new drywall and trim, repainted everything. New flooring went in. Electrical was completely redone. Heating and air conditioning ducts were replaced and new HVAC units and water heater were installed. Bathroom vanities, toilets, and sinks replaced.
So much progress has been made and several of the rooms are starting to come to life! Rick and Cathy have one bedroom almost ready, and they hope to move back into the house before Christmas. The kitchen is unfinished, just a shell right now, but appliances, cabinets, and countertops have been ordered. Rick anticipates that the kitchen won't be completed until sometime in February. Until then, more microwave meals and carryout.
It’s been a long four months for Rick and Cathy, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you all so much for helping them get back into their home.
I want to update you all on their situation and the progress that has been made.
In mid-August 2016, they lost virtually all of their belongings when their home in Denham Springs, Louisiana, was submerged by devastating floods. The frame and roof of the house were intact after the waters retreated, but there was major damage throughout the house. Since then, Rick and Cathy have spent their evenings after work and every weekend, laboring to repair and reclaim their home.
At first, countless hours were spent sorting through debris, tearing out damaged materials, and blasting humidifiers around-the-clock to dry out and salvage the frame. There was an unending maze of insurance, FEMA, and construction requirements to sort out. It was many weeks before they could even begin to put the house back together.
I'm happy to report that Rick and Cathy have made great progress in the past four months, especially since they are committed to doing much of the construction work themselves. They tore out and replaced all windows and doors throughout the house. They completely gutted drywall and insulation, installed new drywall and trim, repainted everything. New flooring went in. Electrical was completely redone. Heating and air conditioning ducts were replaced and new HVAC units and water heater were installed. Bathroom vanities, toilets, and sinks replaced.
So much progress has been made and several of the rooms are starting to come to life! Rick and Cathy have one bedroom almost ready, and they hope to move back into the house before Christmas. The kitchen is unfinished, just a shell right now, but appliances, cabinets, and countertops have been ordered. Rick anticipates that the kitchen won't be completed until sometime in February. Until then, more microwave meals and carryout.
It’s been a long four months for Rick and Cathy, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you all so much for helping them get back into their home.
Organizer and beneficiary
Denise Chirpich
Organizer
Denham Springs, LA
Rick Chirpich
Beneficiary