Many of my families friends have been asking how they can help my mom (Bonnie Fewtrell) and her partner (Susan Iona) - what can they do? At the moment my Mom has nothing and, even if she acquired things, she would have nowhere to put them. Thus there are two ways I think you can help her.
- The first option is a more long term one. Remember her situation and then, when she does have a new home to live in, help her stock up on stuff she will need like pillows, dishes, pots + pans, etc. Pretend it's a wedding shower for a couple that truly has nothing.
- The second option is more blunt, you can donate money directly to her. I've setup a paypal account for her where she can receive funds. Use the button on this page to send her a donation. Any amount will help.
If she receives money she can't use she will share it with her ex-neighbors. Twenty houses on her street were completely destroyed so there are plenty of people here who need help.
My mom is actually pretty lucky. She, Susan, and their animals were all evacuated in advance. Plus, my mom also owns a small plot of land about 1 mile from her old home site that is much higher and nowhere near the Schoharie Creek (which turned into a raging river when she lost her home). Her plan is to build a new, small, house on this other piece of property. The rest of her neighbors either have to leave the community or attempt to rebuild in the flood plain.
If you send (or have sent) money via PayPal it may take a few days for her to accept it because she has to go through a bank account verification process with PayPal first.