Hello friends and family!

Our family, Matt, Ashley, Brent (9) , Jackman (7), and Casey (5) Walls and our three dogs, experienced a major traumatic event this Christmas week. We were at home when rapid moving flood waters surged into our house. We received the flash flood warning and within a half an hour there was over three feet of water throughout our entire bottom floor and garage. It was over five feet high outside and we were unable to evacuate safely. Luckily, we were able to move the kids and the dogs upstairs, where we watched the water slowly rise up the stairs. The next morning we were evacuated by our neighbors, our entire property was still under feet of water.

We have flood insurance which will cover the inside of the house. The insurance company will not cover living expenses or the damage done to the outside of the house by the rushing waters and debris. We lost all of our belongings on the bottom floor and do not have contents coverage to replace them. This includes our entire kitchen, our washer and dryer, all of our furniture, clothing, and personal belongings.

Our contractor informed us that we must be out of the house for the next 6-12 months, likely 12 months due to how many homes were effected by this flood. We are trying to live in the area so that the kids can continue at Prairie Elementary and I am able to continue my job at the school. I am also currently a full-time student at CSU Chico and Matt works for CalFire Butte County.

We are thankful for our lives and our safety at this time. Redding City and Shasta County were majorly effected by this flood but we know that our community will come together to rebuild over the next year. We are grateful for any support you can offer at this time.

Thank you so much,

Ashley & The Walls Family