Carolyn's Flood Emergency Relief

Carolyn-Marie Goodwin is a kind and generous member of the Orillia community who has helped those in need her whole life and is now in need of our help, our generosity, and our kindness.

After moving into her new apartment in September 2023 she finally had made her new space her home and was looking forward to her long over due house warming. Just this past weekend her home has been identified as a Class 3 contaminated area (grossly contaminated black water/sewage) and is not only uninhabitable but is also unsafe due to her rental unit having improper plumbing for water drainage and septic waste. The adjuster that attended the scene believes they may have to dispose of an estimated 85% of her belongings. This, as anyone can imagine, is extremely devastating.

Since the incident was not dealt with effectively after her call for assistance Thursday evening, professionals did not arrive onsite until Friday/Saturday. This has made getting assistance extremely challenging as everything is closed during the weekend. Weekend services will take calls and make reports but getting clearance and approval has proven to be challenging.

Carolyn left her home with virtually no belongings. This week, professionals must carefully verify every item for contamination. It is now a waiting game to see what is able to be saved. She is now in a small hotel room with her two senior cats awaiting professionals’ decisions. As of this moment, Carolyn is still expected to pay rent/utilities for the next two months when her lease ends as well as being left figuring out how to continue paying for temporary (expensive hotels) or new permanent accommodation (first and last months rent).

Carolyn has had to deal with the landlord, the insurance company, plumbers, by-law, restoration companies, city officials, and lawyers, only to come to the realization she may not be given answers or compensation for some time, and that insurance will only cover a percentage of what was lost.

It is in these emergency situations that immediate assistance is required. Especially for basic needs. For those of us who have had to deal with insurance companies, we know it is a slow process. No insurance money will be received until the investigation is complete which has an unknown timeline but is estimated to take up to 3 months. Carolyn is unable to wait to eat, bathe, to get clothing, work wear/equipment (as she must continue to work in her position as a contractor which requires special safety equipment and clothing) and especially a roof over her head for her and her four-legged companions.

Attached are screenshots of the report she has received from by-law and a building inspector showing the seriousness of her situation. This doesn’t include the health risk her and her feline companions were enduring during this incident. Carolyn and her cats still need to be seen by medical professionals for both health and legal purposes meaning upcoming vet bills.

For someone who always helps others, let us be the ones that help her and her immediate needs. Let’s be the support she needs in the immediate. Let’s show her the support she has shown countless community members in crisis prior.

We are asking for $6000 as a buffer to assist during this time. This will be used for work clothing, basic needs including food and hygiene supplies, temporary/new permanent accommodations, pet supplies, and unexpected expenses.

Thank you for your consideration and support.