Many of you have heard that Debbie Ballew lost her home to the Valley Fire this past Sunday. If you have not seen the video footage yet, the video below shows one of Debbie's neighbors driving down her street and out of Anderson Springs.
Debbie’s daughter and grandchildren have also lost their home. While the rate of spread of the fire has drastically decreased in the last 24 hours, it is still very much an active fire and as of right now officials are not allowing residents in to check on the status of their homes. The above video, and a report from one of Debbie’s neighbors, both indicate that there is more than likely nothing left of her home. Debbie was at work when the evacuation order was given for her neighborhood and as such it is very possible that the sum total of all of Debbie’s worldly possessions is her work uniform and whatever she had in her purse the morning she left for work on Saturday.
Most importantly Debbie and her family are safe. While most of her loss is of material things, anyone who has been unexpectedly displaced from their home can attest to the overwhelming stress and lack of security that comes from no longer having a safe space to call home. Especially as a mother and a grandmother one can only imagine the emotional toll of losing the place that has been the gathering point and home base for your family for decades.
Many of us are eager to help. We think Debbie’s most immediate needs for shelter and supplies have been met for the short term.
So what can you do to help?
Financial contributions are always the most versatile way to help. It is easy to forget about the little things - everything from new socks to the quarters for laundry add up quickly. All of your contributions go directly to Debbie.
Whether you can personally contribute financially or not, you can spread the word to others who may be in a place to do so. Sharing Debbie’s go fund me page on facebook or with your email contacts can go a long way.
Debbie’s daughter and grandchildren have also lost their home. While the rate of spread of the fire has drastically decreased in the last 24 hours, it is still very much an active fire and as of right now officials are not allowing residents in to check on the status of their homes. The above video, and a report from one of Debbie’s neighbors, both indicate that there is more than likely nothing left of her home. Debbie was at work when the evacuation order was given for her neighborhood and as such it is very possible that the sum total of all of Debbie’s worldly possessions is her work uniform and whatever she had in her purse the morning she left for work on Saturday.
Most importantly Debbie and her family are safe. While most of her loss is of material things, anyone who has been unexpectedly displaced from their home can attest to the overwhelming stress and lack of security that comes from no longer having a safe space to call home. Especially as a mother and a grandmother one can only imagine the emotional toll of losing the place that has been the gathering point and home base for your family for decades.
Many of us are eager to help. We think Debbie’s most immediate needs for shelter and supplies have been met for the short term.
So what can you do to help?
Financial contributions are always the most versatile way to help. It is easy to forget about the little things - everything from new socks to the quarters for laundry add up quickly. All of your contributions go directly to Debbie.
Whether you can personally contribute financially or not, you can spread the word to others who may be in a place to do so. Sharing Debbie’s go fund me page on facebook or with your email contacts can go a long way.
Organizer and beneficiary
Debra Ballew
Beneficiary