Help Me Save My Home from Catastrophic Structural Damage

Help Me Save My Home from Catastrophic Structural Damage

Hi, I’m Rebecca.

What Happened

Last spring, trying to repair a small patch of peeling paint revealed a nightmare: a corner of my house and front porch is literally held up by stucco. A minor earthquake could bring it all down.

Fifteen years ago, a contractor’s shortcut caused the crisis. A vapor barrier was attached directly to load bearing wood, not the concrete foundation, which led to widespread rot.

The Cost

The pre tariff cost of fixing it is over $100,000. I’m seeking $50,000 in community support to jumpstart repairs.

Watch this 20 second video to see some of the damage

Why Traditional Fixes Won’t Work

I can’t sue due to the statute of limitations. Insurance won’t cover it. I don’t qualify for a 2nd mortgage, and I’m too young for a reverse one.

What’s at Stake

My home includes a soundproof piano studio that supports my musical life. It would be hard to recreate this somewhere else.

My Reality

A year of not working and undergoing cancer treatment in my 40s drained my savings. I can’t sell the house as-is, but fixing it will deplete my retirement fund. My mother’s resources are tied up caring for my stepfather’s dementia.

What I’ve Tried

My wonderful piano student and architect, Kit Ratcliffe, and his colleagues have donated their time to create a cost-effective repair plan. I’m working seven days a week, cutting expenses, selling what I can, and building a new business.

Why I’m Asking for Help

I could do this alone—but the price would be steep. It would drain my retirement savings, push me toward burnout, and would result in selling the house in a few years to fund my retirement. I'd have to leave behind my piano studio which is the source of my earnings.

How You Can Help

I’m reluctantly asking for $50,000 in community support. Your donation—or simply sharing this page—could help me keep my home standing and my performing and teaching alive.

With love and gratitude,

Rebecca