<div>On August 18th, 2024, many towns in SW Connecticut experienced what is called a "training thunderstorm" with devastating amounts of water destroying homes, businesses and properties. Unfortunately, as the rains began to subside in the early morning another flash flood event changed the lives of my husband's brother and his sister, who both live in Southbury. A culvert higher up collected significant debris completely clogging the pipe and backing up the water. It eventually broke and sent a tsunami of water to the houses below. Thankfully, my family members, were rescued and evacuated by the fire department &amp; police after 1:30am after being trapped inside their homes by deep mud &amp; downed trees.
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<div>While it might not have been a dam, a collapsing culvert is dam-like. Many homes along Southford Rd were pummeled, washing away interior belongings &amp; exterior buildings, cars swept up in the current or filled with mud &amp; water if secured in the garage, and leaving home foundations at risk. Lush yards now look like a desolate desert of mud littered with piles of broken debarked trees &amp; debris.
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<div>I am asking for help for my SIL Jenn and her husband Ernie. You can see by the photos the amount of damage their home &amp; property endured. They also had a little farm with a large garden providing them supplemental food as well as a coop with chickens, ducks, guard geese &amp; rabbits. There is an overturned pick-up truck on the concrete pad where coop was. Chickens &amp; ducks are presumed dead. We discovered that 2 of the geese – Laverne &amp; Ozzie – survived, although Laverne was injured and needed special care. Both were adopted by an animal sanctuary.
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<div>You can help in two ways: (1) referrals &amp; resources of tradespeople who are willing to help them rebuild their home &amp; restore their property out of generosity when the time comes; and (2) financial assistance to get through what will most likely be months, even years, of navigating insurance and FEMA claims.
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<div>The funds raised will go towards:
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<li>Purchasing/repairing vehicles so they can return to work.
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<li>Covering immediate living expenses: food, temporary housing, clothing, and other urgent needs.
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<li>If salvageable, rebuilding their home so they have a safe &amp; secure place to live.
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<li>Replacing household belongings that were water/mud damaged such as furniture, outdoor equipment (i.e. lawn mower, weed whacker, etc), and other necessities.
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<div>Every donation, no matter how small, will make a significant difference in helping them get back on their feet. Our family is incredibly grateful that they are all safe &amp; unharmed and at the same time deeply sad about the significant losses they have experienced.
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<div>Thanks to all for your generosity, compassion &amp; empathy. We appreciate every prayer as well as any other heartfelt wishes. And if you have any other suggestions or recommendations to assist Jenn &amp; Ernie in rebuilding their home, please reach out.
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<div>Dan &amp; Karen Pierce
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<div>P.S.  In lieu of donations, please contact Jeff @ [phone redacted] to coordinate hands-on help or offer your services.
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Suzanne Candee

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Katie & Shane York

Meghan Edwards

Helana Hoover-Litty

Dianne Vrablic

Ronald Porell

John Daveluy

Patricia Frering

Heather Fabian

Lynn Weitzner

Konnie Hein

Support Jenn & Ernie's Recovery from Flood-Culvert Collapse

Support Jenn & Ernie's Recovery from Flood-Culvert Collapse

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