Flood Relief Fund for Jenn and Jeff

Jenn and Jeff Stroh, extraordinary teachers and adventurers, need help! Extremely heavy rain and snow, combined with a huge king tide, brought thigh-high water into their home on December 27, 2022, leaving it uninhabitable. When they purchased this home, and as they worked hard to pay off their mortgage in full, they were advised not to worry about flood insurance as their property was not in a flood plain; when this designation changed recently, only homeowners who were still paying for their mortgages were told. Unbelievably, people like Jeff and Jenn, whose mortgages had been fully paid, were not informed.

The property is logistically impossible to sell. Jenn and Jeff have no recourse except to make significant and expensive modifications to mitigate the threat of future floods. For example, to make the house habitable, insurable and safe, it must be raised by 5 feet. In addition, most of the couple's belongings were ruined, and the house has to be entirely refurbished. The cost of all this work is estimated to be at least $150,000 and none of it will be recouped by insurance because of an oversight by FEMA and the county government.

Jeff and Jenn are living in a generous neighbor's small cabin until their house is fit to move into again. However, the strain of being displaced and the huge financial burden looming over them is difficult to bear. Please watch Jenn's presentation to the county commissioners to see how all of this could have been avoided for the cost of a letter and a stamp, and why many other responsible homeowners are still in danger.

My name is Krista Warnock. Jenn has been my friend since we were fellow music majors in the 80s. An inspiring and dedicated music teacher, Jenn is an incredibly kind, giving, creative, and hard-working person who has experienced plenty of life’s hard knocks, but who has been blessed by the decades-long companionship of her equally amazing husband, Jeff. A retired P.E. teacher, Jeff spearheads many of the couple’s impressive long-range backpacking trips and other outdoor adventures.

Imagine being retired, or close to it, and losing almost everything. Jeff and Jenn thought their insurance would protect them from any possible problem, only to find themselves in the position of having to rebuild their lives after more than 70 combined years of productive employment. Especially as devoted teachers, they have given selflessly of their time and talent on countless occasions. In addition, they have touched the lives of hundreds of other “regular folks” who have crossed paths with them.

Please consider a donation of whatever amount you can afford! We can’t replace the cabinet made by Jenn’s father before his untimely passing or Jeff’s beloved and unique camper van, but we can make it possible for them to rebuild their house and garage so that they are safe from the next flood. We can help them provide for their dog and cat, and have hope of resuming their hobbies of glasswork and fishing. We can help them to go back home!