Restore Hope for the Kelly Family After Devastating Floods

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Restore Hope for the Kelly Family After Devastating Floods

Our dear friends, the Kelly Family – Debbie, Tim, and their daughter, Erin, who uses a wheelchair daily, are facing an unimaginable crisis. Continuous flooding has tragically left their beloved home significantly damaged and unsafe to live in. Their home resides next to a small stream – which was, at one time, very peaceful. However, due to recent construction and building development in the area, it has directly impacted the flow of this stream which results in extreme flooding every time there is heavy or continuous rainfall.

Water flows directly into the Kelly household, bringing with it several inches of mud and debris continually over the course of many years. Erin’s first-floor bedroom, office, and restroom are also affected by consistent water damage – along with the downstairs family room, laundry room, and basement. Erin often must maneuver and parallel park her motorized chair against her bed to avoid damaging its motor, as it is typical for anywhere from six inches to a foot of water to come barreling through The Kelly’s garage door – which serves as Erin’s main entrance into the house.

Imagine waking up to find your entire life submerged, your sanctuary turned into even more of a hazard each time it rains. This is a heartbreaking reality for the Kelly Family right now. In addition, Tim and Debbie’s youngest son, Cody, is currently serving in the military – leaving him unable to come home and assist with the responsibilities of getting the house back in livable conditions. The floodwaters not only destroyed furniture, appliances, and cherished family items, but has also compromised the integrity of their home, making it unsanitary or unsafe for the foreseeable future. Keep in mind that according to NIDIS, we have had 17.91” of rain so far in 2025 and 7.94" of that, was in May alone.

They've lost so much more than just possessions; they've lost their sense of security, their familiar comfort, and the stability of having a safe place to call home. Tim, Debbie, and Erin all live with individual, underlying health issues. Right now, they are grappling with the overwhelming and daunting task of cleaning and starting over – only to carry the weight of uncertainty about when it will rain again – and how much. The value of the Kelly’s home is barely enough to cover what is currently owed on the mortgage, let alone give them the funds needed for a down payment. We have approached numerous entities (including government and charity) pleading for assistance in this matter, but to no avail.

For over four decades, Debbie has poured every fiber of her being into the mission of “High Hopes”, now called, “Dreams Go On”, which is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to providing equine therapy to children and adults with special needs. Debbie’s unwavering dedication is the heartbeat of the organization. She has sacrificed personal comfort, financial gain, and even much of her own leisure for the benefit of DGO. She chooses to be a relentless force for good, believing that every individual who is challenged with a disability deserves a chance for a brighter future. Debbie’s life is not just lived. It is lived with a profound testament to selfless service, leaving an indelible mark on countless lives and proving that one person’s unwavering commitment can truly change lives.

We, as a community, can step in and offer a lifeline. We're launching this GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to help the Kelly Family rebuild their lives, brick by compassionate brick. Every single donation, no matter how small, will directly contribute to:

• Securing funds for relocation. This would include a down payment for a new home and moving expenses.
• Replacing essential items like clothing, food, and basic household necessities that were lost.
• Providing some much-needed breathing room as they navigate this incredibly difficult time.

Please consider donating what you can and sharing this campaign with your networks. Together, we can help the Kelly Family find their way back to stability, hope, and the warmth of a safe home once again. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your compassion and support.

With immense gratitude,
Friends of Kelly Family

Organizer and beneficiary

Melinda Anderson
Organizer
Altoona, PA
Debbie Kelly
Beneficiary

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