Hope for the Perez Family

Our family is only one more affected by Hurricane Sandy and we are just as shocked and devastated.  We are living what we'd only previously read about, and perhaps the most difficult thing to learn is how delicate a balance most folks have to strike to get by, and how easily the fabric they weave so carefully can be shredded.   

My sister in law Adela and nephew Ishmael already lived paycheck to paycheck.  They lived in the Arverne Projects in Rockaway, one of the most financially disadvantaged areas in the city and one of the hardest hit.  Their car was essential in their daily lives, and was destroyed by the flood waters.  Without it, my sister in law can't get to work and will be hard pressed to get her son to school or aftercare, wherever that may be since his school has also been destroyed.  Unfortunately, Adela couldn't afford to carry full insurance on the car and so she is at a total loss. 

The picture is of Adela and Ishmael but the entire Perez family lived on Rockaway and is suffering losses and hardship.  My parents in law also lost their car for the same reasons.  They are all without heat, power or safety; their homes are essentially uninhabitable.  The destruction in that area is extensive and recovery, while inevitable, seems unimaginable to me right now.  They are all on the hunt for new homes, desperately trying to figure out how they will afford new cars along with unanticipated security deposits and moving costs. 

The Perez family is lucky - they are all safe and sound and they have family and friends that love them.  We know so many are suffering even more - but we aren't trying to win a contest.  We're just trying to help them pull those frayed ends of the fabric together if we can. 

Thank you for anything you can contribute.