Roof Repairs in Emergency Zone

Being in a foreign country during a home disaster without the security net of family or long standing friends is not easy. Last Saturday night a storm ripped along the coast of Chile, slamming into my perched-on-a-cliff cabin at 120 kph. The wind whipped off part of the living room extension I added after buying the property in 2011, along with other sections of the roof. Electric wiring was also ripped out. In addition, the deck overhang tore off, flipped over, then slammed down onto the north facing roof, damaging ALL the cement tiles. I am faced with major damage. Fortunately, labor costs in Chile are minimal compared to North America and elsewhere. The 'trabajandos' have given me an estimate of $2500 to repair enough of the roof for me to live safely.

I've been reluctant to ask for help. But I'm very close to finishing a film trailer of a subject close to my heart and I'm looking for emergency funds so I can do my work in a place of safety.

Areas of Chile have been declared a state of emergency and I must rely on friends and collegues in seeking emergency funds of my own. Although I have learned many of the necessary construction skills over the years,  I need to devote my talents as a writer and photographer to a project that is so near completion.

I hope you've enjoyed watching this cabin and garden grow. A roof repair might not have the fun factor of beet stained floors,an  underground greenhouse or a Moroccan archway cut in the living room wall, this project may be the most important.