Wilson Family Basic Needs Fund

I am a native of Houston, now living in Baltimore.  I watched as Hurricane Harvey approached and then finally plowed through Texas.  I watched paralyzed with worry and fear for my family and friends back home.  My family members remained safe. Those that flooded have insurance and have places to go. They will be okay, eventually. But, on a daily basis I receive news from friends that have lost everything.  It's surreal to me. Many of these friends, not living in "flood-prone" areas, do not have insurance. They have children, like us; Jobs, like us; Schools, like ours; Lives, just like us. Everything is lost, and now they need help....

Although I would if I could support each and every person I know back home - that is simply out of my reach. But what is within my reach is to try and help my best friend, Keely Wilson, and her family. The Wilsons are very much a part of my family. I feel no less about her pain and loss than I would of my own siblings. The Wilson family, like so many others, are without flood insurance.  They had just a few hours to evacuate. It's all just "things" and luckily they had the warning to leave safely and grab some belongings. They will come back from this - but it will take time and much healing. It would be a great comfort for me to know that they could at the very least get through a round of bills, purchase some basic necessities, while they try to re-build their lives. Donations can be small and seemingly insignificant as a few dollars from many add up quickly. I see this as a bridge built on the kindness of strangers from here to there....