05/05/2023
This is not my story. This is a story about a neighborhood that helped raise me and a family that treated me as one of their own for decades (far too long in most eyes). The (family not named) have always been a beacon of welcome in the neighborhood. Too many gatherings have transpired between all of their children and childrens' friends to mention, and I want to ensure that those gatherings can continue for their family and other families in the community.
As you may know, on Sunday, April 30, 2023, just after 6 p.m. EDT, an EF-3 tornado touched down in the northeast corner of Virginia Beach known as Great Neck. The storm caused indescribable damage. If you weren't able to see the full damage firsthand on Sunday evening or Monday morning, pictures and videos are unfit to portray the real-life horror that the storm left in its path. Vehicles overturned, roofs set sail, and mattresses and personal belongings strewn about the front lawns from their own and neighbors' homes. The flying shrapnel of trees, bricks, and metal fences blew out windows and collapsed homes. The scene was and still is truly apocalyptic.
A sincere thank you is due to the City of Virginia Beach Public Works Division for providing the resources to clear the streets to allow the residents access to assess the damage. But the work to rebuild these homes and lives of the residents is just beginning.
Multiple families need your help. Many lost their roofs, chimneys came through the middle of the living rooms (collapsing the floor), second-story bedrooms were destroyed, and windows were blown out. Homes have been condemned, leaving families to seek living arrangements elsewhere until the homes can be rebuilt.
We all hope insurance covers most if not all of the costs, but we all know how willing insurance companies are to write a quick check. I am seeking funds to help offset the living and moving expenses for these families.
EVERY DONATION IS APPRECIATED AND NO AMOUNT IS TOO SMALL. Thank you for reading and I hope you consider donating to a very worthy effort.
