Vazquez Family Emergency Flood Assistance
Donation protected
As a result of the devastating floods to the Leominster community, our four family house has taken on incredible damage. Myself and my beautiful 9 month old Cecilia, my sister and brother in law who reside in one of the apartments, and all tenants have been greatly impacted by the storm.
Leominster got 11” of rain within 5 hours. Within 15 minutes of the storm starting, the basement of the house was completely under water. Upon the arrival of emergency services, we were instructed to evacuate the house. We were able to quickly gather a few necessary belongings, all of our fur babies, and everyone was able to safely get out of the building as the water kept rising. Thankfully, we all were able to get out of the city and take refuge out of town.
Going back to the house the morning after to see the aftermath was a moment I will never forget. Pulling up, parts of our driveway are washed out with multiple sinkholes. Our shed has moved into the middle of the yard. Half of the lawn is missing. Areas beneath our porches were washed away to the bones of the house and that is just the outside. It is a horrifying feeling looking at what used to be your home in such chaos. Luckily being a dirt basement, the water in the house was all soaked up into the ground. After having professionals come out to look at the integrity of the foundation, thankfully, it is still in full support.
Inside the house has been a very hard emotional experience. Fortunately, there was no damage to the apartments themselves, but the basement and all utilities were entirely submerged. All of our personal belongings that hold childhood memories, tools, clothing, books, baby items and more have either been washed away or buried in mud. All of the equipment that makes a house run is inoperable and all needs to be replaced.
These past few days have been nothing but traumatizing. Unfortunately we do not hold flood insurance on the house (I recommend everyone getting this now). Therefore, insurance will not give us any financial assistance towards the damages.
My husband Cory is still overseas and has fulfilled 7 of his 12 month military deployment. Needless to say this has been a very hard challenge to take on the progress of repairs, rebuilding, and the overall emotional and physical devastation myself. We have had an amazing support system and I cannot even begin to express my gratitude and appreciation for them all.
I am still in disbelief that in 15 minutes, our lives were turned upside down and forever changed. Many people have reached out asking how they can help. At this time, we feel this is the best way as it will help ease some of the financial stress we are facing to make our house a home again while my husband continues to serve our country. We thank each and every one of you for your help and support during this trying time.
Leominster got 11” of rain within 5 hours. Within 15 minutes of the storm starting, the basement of the house was completely under water. Upon the arrival of emergency services, we were instructed to evacuate the house. We were able to quickly gather a few necessary belongings, all of our fur babies, and everyone was able to safely get out of the building as the water kept rising. Thankfully, we all were able to get out of the city and take refuge out of town.
Going back to the house the morning after to see the aftermath was a moment I will never forget. Pulling up, parts of our driveway are washed out with multiple sinkholes. Our shed has moved into the middle of the yard. Half of the lawn is missing. Areas beneath our porches were washed away to the bones of the house and that is just the outside. It is a horrifying feeling looking at what used to be your home in such chaos. Luckily being a dirt basement, the water in the house was all soaked up into the ground. After having professionals come out to look at the integrity of the foundation, thankfully, it is still in full support.
Inside the house has been a very hard emotional experience. Fortunately, there was no damage to the apartments themselves, but the basement and all utilities were entirely submerged. All of our personal belongings that hold childhood memories, tools, clothing, books, baby items and more have either been washed away or buried in mud. All of the equipment that makes a house run is inoperable and all needs to be replaced.
These past few days have been nothing but traumatizing. Unfortunately we do not hold flood insurance on the house (I recommend everyone getting this now). Therefore, insurance will not give us any financial assistance towards the damages.
My husband Cory is still overseas and has fulfilled 7 of his 12 month military deployment. Needless to say this has been a very hard challenge to take on the progress of repairs, rebuilding, and the overall emotional and physical devastation myself. We have had an amazing support system and I cannot even begin to express my gratitude and appreciation for them all.
I am still in disbelief that in 15 minutes, our lives were turned upside down and forever changed. Many people have reached out asking how they can help. At this time, we feel this is the best way as it will help ease some of the financial stress we are facing to make our house a home again while my husband continues to serve our country. We thank each and every one of you for your help and support during this trying time.
Organizer
Ashley Vazquez
Organizer
Leominster, MA