Urgent: Black Mold Crisis in Deb Trist’s Home

Mold, mold, mold! We have lived in our family’s home for many years, and I have raised my children here. Our home was built around 1948 and has galvanized steel pipes and drains. Over time the steel pipes can corrode, causing leaks, and can cause exposure to lead. The kitchen drain was recently clogged, and plumbers used an electric snake to unclog it. Well, the drain opened all too well, leaving a huge gash in the pipe, which allowed water to flow into the wall for some months. I was unaware of what was happening until I found a stain on the other side of the wall in the sunroom when the kids were visiting and playing in that room.

I asked a contractor friend to stop by to assess the situation. That was when black mold was discovered inside the wall. It is major and covers more than eight feet of the wall, along with lots of decaying wood, wetness and fungus. The situation is very distressing and is a significant health concern that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible.

To be repaired, it needs professional remediation. The contamination must be “surrounded with a containment barrier/airlock/decontamination chamber.” The mold needs to be removed with a negative air fan/air scrubber (24-hour period), ducted to the outside and thoroughly cleaned. The water and mold have also gone into the floor, under the kitchen cabinets and sink. It’s hard to know how severe the damage is until they tear away the wall and go under the house through the crawl space.

Some of you may know me from my musical radio show “Dead Air” on public radio, where my name is Downtown Deb. Sadly, the mold situation is causing real dead air in my home. This dire situation made me realize I need our community's help. It is a real hardship to be able to pay for the repairs and remodeling that is required for this house to be safe and healthy, and this has caused me to ask for your help.

Homeowners insurance will not cover any of it, and I am on a very minimal, fixed income. The estimate for repairs is $13,830. The immediate expense is a payment of 1/3 up front, approximately $4,150. The rest is due when the job is finished. Depending on what is found, the cost may be more.

With deep appreciation and gratitude for all who can donate to help me and my family deal with this very unhealthy and distressing situation.