Hurricane Irma relief for Ryder Fam
Hello and thank you for taking the time to read this.
One week ago our lives were turned upside down. Hurricane Irma's eye passed over our home. We are blessed to all be safe but now have the task of rebuilding our home. A week ago as we sat with friends in a safe location we watched in horror as the news radar showed the hurricane directly hitting our ranch. Was a very long night with anxiety not knowing the damages. First thing early morning we ignored driving bans and drove towards our home. We received word our horse made it through with 24 others at a neighbor's ranch but they did not know what damages we had. As we navigated downed power lines and flooded roadways the aftermath of Irma became more pronounced the closer we were to home.
We cut, pulled and pushed trees, drove over and around trees to make our way to our front gate. Debris was piled against the gate and so much brush, debris and trees had fallen we couldn't see down our driveway. As we pulled up to our home my wife and i were in shock, our hearts sank and we climbed out of the truck to hug and shed tears. Almost every building on our property was destroyed. Only thing standing was a small tool shed, part of an older mobile home and half our barn. Our garage was stripped, our section of home gone, our chicken coops and duck coops ripped open, tack room torn open, and the property was almost entirely flooded. We lost most of our furniture, kids books, toys and personal belongings.
We are currently living in the older portion of a mobile home. It is providing temporary shelter but suffered structural damage as well as extensive water damage. I am grateful to have some shelter for my wife and 3 sons. I know it could've been worse. Many friends and family have suggested to start this GoFundMe account. Being in Florida hurricane insurance is about impossible for a manufactured home or mobile home. We did not have insurance. I cannot afford to have a new home built. The only option is for us to rebuild ourselves. I'm asking for any help you can give. Every donation adds up. My plan is to replace some items the kids lost and restore some normalcy for my family. Then to purchase building supplies and build a new home for my family. I know many were affected by Irma and i know many lost more than we did. I do feel blessed and fortunate my family is safe and able to take on rebuilding. Any questions or suggestions please reach out to me.
Thank you in advance for your help
Sincerely,
The Ryder Family
David, Amy, William, Brandon, and Logan
