Tammy W + 6

Tammy; John, Sterling, Shelby, John Duke, Yancey; Little Joe

Email: tammy.walker @ rac.com

Location: Kiln, MS

Number in House: 7; 2 Adults, 4 Kids, 1 dog

Situation:
We’ve been through every emotion imaginable and every scenario imaginable. We had severe wind damage. – No payout from Insurance, and only given $973.00 from FEMA. Estimate to repair house is $13,000.00.

We have applied for all grants available but because we didn’t have flood, water, or surge in the house we do not qualify. We have become so filled with frustration, anger, disbelief, and anguish that we have considered just walking away from everything.

Financially we can not afford the repairs.

We were remodeling our home at the time of the storm and not only sustained damage to the house but lost all our materials we had stored. It took us a year to buy all our materials. We bought pay check to pay check.

FEMA of course would not even consider paying us for this loss. They said as far as the house damage they paid us based on the inspector’s report. Well, God Bless the inspector, but all he did was walk around my house. He didn’t go into the attic to see the damage to the ridge vents from all the trees falling on the house. He didn’t climb the roof to see that the structural integrity of the roof was so severely damaged that it was allowing water in the house.

Now I not only have a severe roof problem, but I have mold in my house. It’s all in the sheetrock in 3 rooms. Not to mention the loss of all our materials that we (at this rate) will probably never be able to afford to replace so we can finish our house.

I know some people had it and still have it worse off than us. And believe me we are so grateful for what we still have - but we deserve so much better for our children. We work so hard for everything we have. WE NEED SO MUCH HELP – but no one is there. We feel so alone

Help Received: FEMA Minimum, PA Family (Christmas 2006) , NY Family (Christmas 2007)

Current Living Arrangements: Tent, House (alternate living arrangements due to mold)

Needs:
Volunteer assistance with house.
Assistance finding home owner's insurance.
Materials for home.
Clothes for the kids:
Sterling – pants size boys 14 shirt – Medium – shoe/sock - 11
Shelby – pants size girl 16 – shirt large – shoe/sock - 7
John – pants size boys 6 – shirt medium – shoe/sock boys 12
Yancey – 3T in everything – shoe/sock – toddlers 71/2

Thai C

Thai C; Tuyet, Sumer, Sienna, Jasmin, Jayda
Picture of Jayda - born 11.27.07!
http://www.our365.com/webnursery/webnursery/Baby/BabyPageDirect.aspx?CID=0018019273
Email - truchoa97 @ aol.com

Location - Was in Bayou La Batre, am now in Theodore AL.

Situation - Home was destroyed, have moved in with my disabled mother to care for her as well as my 3 daughters and 2 nephews. I have a job, but being a single parent with so many mouths to feed and many medical conditions (1 has asthma, 1 has diabetes, 1 has thyroid, my mother has many issues), it just isn't enough to be able to get items we need as well as take care of existing bills and medical needs.

Number In House - 6: 31 y.o. female - Thai; 74 y.o. female - Tuyet, 10 y.o. female - Sumer, 4 y.o. female - Jasmin, 12 month old - Sienna 12/5/07 - Newest addition is Jayda! As of 11/27/07

Help - the children are all on medicaid, my mother gets SSI and we are on WIC. I received a small amount of LIHEAP (thank goodness!), but otherwise, nothing.

Needs:
Clothing -
*9 year old girl- (updated 11/1/07) 10 yrs old- girl
sizes clothes 14-16 youth
sizes shoes 6
Needs- Clothes, a light jacket, socks, shoes, comforter w/ bedding/ blanket for twin size bed.
Likes anything Hannah Montana, Naruto animation chapter books, stuff penguins/ animals, I-Pod/ I-Cy, Arts and craft stuff, SMS Text messenger data/organizer wireless, The Game of Life, Twist and Turn, tiny book bag, Naruto/ Pokemon movies, an electric guitar, any hand held games or Nintendo DS lite games, video now cds, cd player with cd's, chat now, MP3 Player, a big girls bike or anything age appropriate.

*3 year old girl-4 yrs old (updated 11/1/07)

size clothes- 4T or 5T size shoe- 12/13TNeeds- Clothes, socks, tennis shoes, comforter w/ bedding and blankets for twin size bed.

Likes anything Dora the explorer, Barbie, Bratz, a trike, 3 wheel scooter, a play Dora or any play kitchen, kitchen set toys, tea sets, Puzzles for kids, anything monkeys, Nintendo DS lite games/ puppy dog games, portable DVD player, any type of cartoon dvds, a flip open sofa, anything learning, blendy pens, cd player with children cd's or anything age appropriate.


Sienna 1 yr on Dec 21st (updated 11/1/07)

size clothes- 18-24 months
shoe- 4 or 5
Needs- Seasonal clothes of any type, especially winter clothes and sleepers, a good thermometer. Likes Playskool Busy Basic step start walk n ride, fisher price sit to stand giraff, any cartoon character flip open sofa , any riding things, any toys that makes noise or sings, pink push around buggy, a rocking pony or unicorn, anything learning, teethers, small book bag for a girl, anything Care Bears or anything age appropriate.



Jayda- Due Dec. 16th, 2007
anything for newborn baby, baby bassinet, baby beddings, a good ear thermometer, a girl diaper bag, a baby book, crib toys, a homecoming outfit, clothes for newborn, onesies, clothes for 3 -up months because they grow so quickly, baby bottles, shampoo, diapers, blankets, anything for newborn baby.

*15 year old boy-Phong- 11/1/07 - no longer taking care of nephew. His father now has both boys.
*8 year old boy-Calvin- 11/1/07 - No longer taking care of nephew. His father now has both boys.

*74 year old disabled mother-Tuyet- shirt size X-large, pants size medium adult, socks, shoes size 7

*31 year old woman - gift cards

Food - Any non-perishable foods would be wonderful - Similac Advanced for Sienna.
Paper Products - Toilet Paper! Diapers for a 2 mo. old (size 3) would be a godsend as well
School Supplies - school is almost over, so nothing yet
Computer Supplies - None for now
Cleaning Supplies - detergent - unscented anything is good; dish soap, any basic cleaning stuff
Household supplies - light bulbs, we need cookware and bakeware, complete bedrooms furnishing with beds for my 2 newphews (3/29 is hoping for Adopt My Room assistance -

Stores we shop at - Walmart, Target

12/08/07
I am just really so happy. She was born on Nov. 27th at 3:33am, 20 inches long. I stayed in the hospital for 5 days, but things are ok and hopefully things will get better with the baby. She was early and was not able to eat and had bili rueben. Jaundice. A new addition bundle of joy added to the house and Christmas just around the corner. Nothing but happiness and joy coming this way. I was really scared at first about how I am going to handle all the kids, but now I am just taking it a day at a time.

The kids love the new baby, especially Jasmin, my 4 yr old. She seems like she is more attached to Jayda. Sienna seems like she doesnt really know and Sumer, my 10 yr old, she is worn out, tired, but very helpful.

Jasmin told me the other day "mommy you dont love me anymore" I told her I do but I just had a baby and need to rest. I guess she is not use to me not giving her as much attention. I told all my girls I love them very much but sometimes can't show it because I am so busy with everything, especially the new baby.

10/26/07
A tornadoe came into Irvington, AL yesterday. It was so bad. It tore/destroyed houses down. A lady in the news cried and cried because she lost everything. Her mobile ome was in shambles. It was pretty sad. It rained all day and night yesterday. I live about 10 minutes from Irvington and was safe and ok on my end. No problems or damages. Thank God. It was said to head right through Tillman's Corner which I am between Tillman's Corner and Irvington but we all are safe and no damages. It was so scarey yesterday. People recorded debris flying everywhere. Ugh...not a good sight. Wow, blessed we are. Jasmin school called me early to pick her up early. There was two 18 wheelers that got into an accident with each other so traffic was backed up. But its better today.Its very cold now. Still sprinkling rain but very cool.

Debbie S

Debbie S; Tommy, Ericka, Sandie Michael, Corie, Jamie; dogs, horses, goats.

Email: MommaDebbie7 @ aol.com
Location: DeRidder, LA
Number In Household: 7+; 2 adults, 5 children, dogs.
Situation: Road out Hurricane Rita and lost a lot to water damage. The singlewide that WAS our home got twisted so badly FEMA totalled it. We're trying to salvage it since, but even with professional realignments, the roof doesn't meet the walls like it should and continues to leak. I can't stay in the 2 FEMA trailers we have because my asthma is so bad.
Our livestock shelters were blown away, but we were able to rebuild them with storm debris from a friend's buildings that were destroyed.
We lost our garage, but not rebuilt yet.
The fencing for our dogs' area was lost as well, and no debris is left around here to rebuild it with.
We've tried to seal our roof - using what money we had. It still hasn't worked.
Tommy's job slowed down and I picked up a job to try and fill in the gaps to catch up, but it hasn't worked that way yet.
Current Living Situation: Still on our own property, thankfully! Trying to transition into our old home due to the fumes in the FEMA campers.
Help: FEMA, Friends
Needs: We're not asking for money.
Livestock: Hay, dirt, sand, feed for horses and goats.
Dogs: Food, material to build a new fence for their area, normal flea meds.
House: Materials to repair water damage in Kitchen, bathrooms; to seal roof properly. The household could also use towels, wash cloths, area rugs

Children: We really want Christmas for them this year...
Ericka: age 14(girl)...she wears sizes pants-15 1/2jr, shirt med-large jr's, shoe-10 women.
Her likes are: anything Winnie the pooh(lol), Scrapbook stuff, writing stuff(she writes great short stories), Hair stuff(ribbons, barrettes, ties, etc.), Stuffed animals.
Her needs - Sleep wear, coat, socks ( size 9 bootie), underwear(bikini's size 7), Clothing(pants, shirts, Bra's(38/DD)

Sadie: age 12 (girl)...pants-14 1/2-15 1/2 girls, shirts-16-18 girls, shoes- 7 1/2 women's.
Her likes are: cd player, volleyball set, stuffed animals(FROGS...lol), make-up, nail stuff
Her Needs: Sleep wear, pants, coat, socks, under wear(jr size 5), shoes(size 7 1/2),
Michael: age 15 (boy) has Autism, pants- 29 x 32 1/2, shirts- med/tall, shoe 10 1/2 men's
His needs - Clothing, socks, shoes, underwear and sleepwear.
His likes are: Glow in the dark stuff(for wall's and ceiling), Lego set's, Art stuff(marker's, color's, and color pencils), Race car stuff, He loves to draw houses...and does a really good job of it too...:)
Corie: age 11(girl twin).... Pants 14 1/2..,shirt- Large girls, Shoe- 7 1/2 women's
Her likes are: Make-up(Lt color's to play in.), Jewelry(any kind), Hair stuff( barrette's, hair ties, bows, etc.) Perfume, lotion.
Her Needs: Clothing( Pants, Shirts, coat, Shoes(size 7), Sleep wear, socks, underwear( 5 jrs)

Jamie: age 11( girl twin)....Pants- 15/16jr, shirt-large Jr., shoe- 7 women's.
Her likes are: Make-up, Jewelry(any kind), hair stuff (bows, barrett's, hair tie's, etc), a camera.
Her Needs: Jamie's Needs- coat, sleep wear, pants(size 15/16 jrs), shirts, socks, under wear( size 7 )

All kids could also use new sheets and blankies (twin Size)
12/4/07
We have had a VERY BAD YEAR this year..One of my twin daughter's came down with KIDNEY FAILURE...she has had 1 transplant that failed with in 3 days...they had to remove it. We have spent any money that we had set aside for Christmas on trips to New Orleans to the Tulane Hospital there..we have basically been there all year. I have been talking to Dayle at Citizans group Data Base....she knows we have been threw pure hell. My daughter is now on Hemo Dialysis and waiting for another transplant when one is found.

2/25
Thanks so much for the medical info...We just got one of my 11yr old twin daughters out of the hospital on Monday of last week. She spent 5 days in PICU and another 4 in a regular room. She had a stomach virus and apparently her immune system attacked her Kidneys. That sent her blood pressure up almost into the 300's on top and bottom..she is still not out of the woods yet...we are waiting on test results. She is on blood pressure meds now and will be till the doctors say she can get off of them. She had a kidney biopsy and it still didn't tell them what happened. She lost the use of her legs for some reason but is getting them back now...she is still very unsteady on her feet. They don't seem to know what happened. She had no temp, and all signs were of the virus. So this medical info that you sent might be necessary now. Thanks so much for all you do for your groups and others.
11/28 Update
Sorry It has been so long....We have more damage from October Storms and have yet been Considered a Disaster area again. Fema is again coming today for that. It is a separate disaster from the Hurricane. We have had torrential rain fall, with very strong winds that have caused flooding and more wind damage.

Jessica L

Jessica L; Johnathon

Email: jeessiiee_77 @ yahoo.com
Location: I was in Kenner. Am now in Metairie, LA. I hope to have ound a sense of stability that has not returned since more than a year ago.
Number in Household: Jessica (29), Johnathon (10)
Situation: I evacuated for about 2 months, moved to an apartment near family - it burned. Moved to another apartment with friends, lived in my car and in a FEMA for 2 weeks. Finally found an apartment to share with a roommate who left in September without giving notice or rent. I've been working 7 days a week at 2 jobs trying to catch up. We are still sleeping on air mattresses.
Current Living Arrangements: 800/mo 1 bedroom apartment (was 450 before storm
Help Received: FEMA, Red Cross, Miami FL TV station

Needs:
Food: - Anything would be greatly appreciated
Paper Products: paper towels, napkins, TP
School Supplies: My son has only 1 uniform and I don't have daily access to a washer/dryer.
Clothing:
Johnathon - age 10
Shoes - Men's size 10-10.5
Shirts - L or XL
Pants - 36x30
He loves button down shirts and dark colors. (I'll find out what the school uniform is as well)
Jessica - age 29
Shoes - size 11
Shirts L or XL
Pants - 16-18
I need jeans desparately, and also need clothes for casual business (slacks and dress blouses) "Tall" works best, but can wear "average".
Household Supplies: We still need cookware and bakeware.
Stores You Shop At: Target, WalMart, KMart, Bed Bath and Beyond, Linens and Things.

11/20/07
Johnathon and I are living in West Monroe, LA with my mom.
My dad has recently passed away.
We came up here in December after the business I was working for closed due to the landlord raising the rent.
After that I just decided to take a break from New Orleans and come and spend some time with my father who had cancer. So since his passing we have stayed to try to help.
Not too many employment opportunities up here so help this Christmas would be great. He is 11 and he loves video games, the Saints, football.

11/23
The Real List!
any WWE action figures or anything to do with WWE or wrestling
Jeans: 34 x 29; Shirts - men's medium or boys XL
any transformers
Ladder Match (WWE)
Modern Warfare (video game for xbox)
Call of Duty (video game for xbox)
The NOLA Saints
Football

Shelley and Family

Shelley K, 4 children, 2 dogs, 2 cats.
Email: Semisweet_zero@yahoo.com

Location: - I am in Gulfport, MS. Stayed for the Hurricane and took in people who lost everything. Now I am losing my house and my electricity will be disconnected Wednesday 11/1. (see update below)

Number in Household: - 2 dogs and 2 cats, 1 cat and 1 dog acquired after the storm.
I have a pregnant 16 yo who has been having difficulties with her pregnancy and is on bedrest; a 13 yo boy who will be 14 in Nov., a 6 and 4 yo girls. Then there is me, a 36 yo that has been making it by hard work and detemination.

Situation: I have managed to do it on my own since the Hurricane. My husband left me in Jan. 2006 and took all our savings with him. I have managed by myself since then. Now I am trying to stop a foreclosure and keep my electricity on, but that doesn't seen to be happening. I had to give up a decent job, in order to be home with the kids at night. I have managed to get $348 from FEMA and finally got Food Stamps about 2 weeks ago (my husband helped with that when he turned me in, before I was not eligible because he would not pay child support), and my children have Medicaid. Other than that I have not recieved any assistance. I plan on having a daytime job soon, but not soon enough.
11/6 I have found a job working part time now, and I did manage to get the money through a friend and the St. Vincent de Paul society in Biloxi. Other than that everything is still the same way as it has been.

Current Living Arrangements: - I am living in my house, but they are going to start foreclosure on Nov 18.

Help: - I really need assistance just to pay my electric bill, before the Nov. 1, 3 month's bill is a little over $600

Stores you shop at:
Really the only stores around here are Winn Dixie, Wal-Mart, and KMart

12/22
Hello, sorry for not contacting you sooner. I have been so busy with work and trying to get everything taken care of for Christmas. But let me give you an update on everything.
All my children have been adopted. The last 2 got adopted today through a local relief organization, thank you Tami. The 3 little girls got adopted by a nice lady and her family, their adoption sort of snowballed to her office decided to pitch in and help. Receive a large box full of toys, clothing and even something for the older children.
Thank you Shellie and all who helped her, the Playstation 1 and all the games were great, they are all fighting over who is going to play first...No one until Christmas...LOL And of course I cannot forget to mention Janna, I am so excited to see my daughter's face when she gets the MK cosmetics, of course I can't wait to get mine either.
On to the other things, I have finally caught up on all my bills except the mortgage, but my wonderful boss has actually volunteered to front me the money and take it out of my paycheck a little at a time. He has also decided to keep me full time after the new year. When I first started it was full time just until New Years then to part time, but business has picked up and I have proven to him that I will work and not goof off.
That has made my life a lot easier, I was concerned that I would get everything caught up then end up falling back into a hole again.
Also, to let you know, that everything that has happened to me through this site and another site has helped me in more ways than one. My older children have realized that no matter what happens that there are people worse off than we are. So we have found a family that has fallen through the cracks and really needed help and we have adopted them (not for Christmas, as an ongoing effort). When I went to visit them a few weeks ago, they had mattresses on the floor, no dressers, no kitchen furniture or what not, and the couch they had had broken springs and holes.
We have been doing the freecycle thing and now they have bedroom furniture, living room furniture, and cookware, we have also gotten the children clothing and toys for Christmas (they did not put up a tree this year, because they could not afford to buy anything for the children). We are still working on a dining room set and a few other things for their kitchen. As I said thanks for letting me know about freecycle, I didn't need to pay for anything but gas to help this family.
Well, I guess this pretty much covers everything. And if you are the one that was talking to Tami, thank you.
I hope you and everyone around you has a very MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A WONDERFUL NEW YEAR.
I know I will, because I have made wonderful friends through this website and the ones on yahoo.
Thanks,Shelley