Our family of six has been living in a home with high levels of mold as documented by an industrial hygienist. For six years, we have been trying to find a safe and secure way forward.

Despite having taken numerous steps to mitigate the conditions in our home and seeking medical care through Western medicine doctors, naturopathic doctors as well as specialists, we have determined the most prudent option is to leave. The cost of remediation is too high and would require us to leave our house during the remediation and rebuilding of our house anyway.

This is heartbreaking because, after years of moving for military service, this home was supposed to be our respite and a stable living environment. Finally, after years of being on a waitlist for housing, we have been offered an affordable apartment through a housing authority, which makes this move extremely time sensitive. However, it is in another state, and for the transition to be successful, we must have a workable plan in place by mid-August.

We are not just seeking help to make this move happen. We are also seeking help to afford the proper medical care to help our family heal from mold-related illnesses.

We have been advised by our primary doctors and mold/Lyme specialists to treat this transition as if we had a house fire: determining what can safely come with us, what must be professionally cleaned, and what must be replaced. Permeable items cannot safely be brought into our new home because they retain mycotoxins.

Our income barely covers our family’s basic living expenses. Therefore, we cannot afford the costs involved in relocating, replacing our belongings and alternative medical care.

Despite our best efforts to get help, we have learned that we do not currently qualify for federal, state, or veteran assistance that people often assume is available because we are not homeless, we are not dealing with lead, and we are not renters.

Any funds raised will go towards things we need, to include:

1. Professional moving company services, including transportation and packing materials
2. Mattresses, bed frames, bedding, dressers, and lamps
3. Dining room table and chairs, and a hutch/pantry for storage
4. Sofa, bookcases and storage containers
5. Curtains, area rugs, towels, hampers
6. Refrigerator, washer/dryer, and dishwasher, which are not provided at the rental unit
7. Delivery, installation, and/or assembly of appliances and furniture
8. School supplies, clothing and shoes
9. First month’s rent and initial start-up expenses
10. Medical expenses related to healing from mold-related illnesses

Everything must be purchased new rather than secondhand because of the health risks associated with mold, bugs, allergens, and cigarette smoke. Our goal is to provide the basic necessities our family needs to return to daily life.

Please consider contributing and supporting us in our journey. Prayers are also appreciated!

With much gratitude,

The Walther Family