This fundraiser is created to help raise money for a close friend who was tremendously affected by Hurricane Ian.
On September 28th, 2022 she had to make the difficult decision to evacuate her home after water started rapidly rising outside the walls. With only enough time to grab a few things, she and her significant other took only what they’d need for the next few days and evacuated the house. Soon after, multiple skylights and windows were blown out and water started filling their home, destroying furniture, appliances, flooring, and personal keepsakes.
After seeking refuge in an evacuation shelter for several days, they felt scared and defeated.
Insurance and FEMA have yet to pay towards any damages to the home, and they are now trying to clean up the mess, salvage what was left of their belongings, and repair the major damages. The pictures shown are of her neighborhood view from her front door.
On top of that, she had just used what available cash they had to move and re-open a new store location for her business. Just a few weeks before disaster struck, she relocated her small business to an area she’d been hoping for that would provide greater traffic and exposure. When she came across the location for the first time, she said she was called to “follow the light” and used her savings to secure the spot and move her business. Just as she moved the last items over to the new shop and was getting ready for her grand opening, the hurricane washed through the city.
Thankfully, she was able to prepare for the impending weather by moving inventory off the ground and boarding up the windows, but her computer system for the business was lost in the damage and her faith was left shattered.
My husband and I reached out to her, hoping for good news, but after hearing about their situation, we knew there had to be some way we could help out. She had told us her mind felt like mush and she didn’t even know how to answer the question “How are you?” without spewing her trauma over the ones who were reaching out to check on them…so she had been silent up until our conversation. I thanked her for her honesty and asked her what would be most helpful to her right now.
She replied “Finances. Clarity. I’m angry and scared. We’ve had to hire someone to help us and expenses are piling up. This has had a huge domino effect and many factors involved that bring overwhelm and anxiety. I am trying to connect and trust and when I muster enough to take the next step it’s been roadblock after roadblock. I’m just not understanding.”
Over the past few weeks we’ve been talking to her regularly to assist with the clarity to keep putting one foot in front of the other and to help her know she is not doing this alone. Her strength and honesty through this traumatic event has inspired my husband and I. They’re doing the best they can with what they have, but feel overwhelmed by what’s left to be done.
I believe that miracles always unfold when you follow the light.
All donations and prayers will be sent directly to the couple and will go towards rebuilding their home, faith, and overall well-being. ANY amount is greatly appreciated.
Let’s show her that great things can happen when people come together. Spread the word!
