Help Bert Recover from Hurricane Ian

My name is Krista Mainess, and I am requesting help for my extended family, Bert Williams. Bert has been a faithful friend and family member for 25+ years. He is best known for his gentle character, loyal friend, and giving spirit. He is the stranger that stops to lend a hand when he sees someone in need, no questions asked. I hope we can be there for him like he has for so many.

On September 29, Hurricane Ian destroyed much of 85-year-old Bert Williams’ house. He lives in Rotonda West, FL, near Englewood/Port Charlotte. That area took a 4-hour beating in the eyewall of Ian with over 100 mph sustained wind for over 7 hours and up to 150 mph gusts.

After the first reports of a total loss, Bert was thrilled to have a house to return to! However, much of the roof was blown off, and several holes exist. There are six rooms in his little house, and four of them are in serious trouble. You can see the sky through the roof in the kitchen, guest bedroom, and bathroom. Part of the main bedroom roof is destroyed as well. The ceiling and walls in these rooms need to be replaced.

A good chunk of the roof at the back of the house was blown into the front yard, and there is nothing left of the screened enclosure over the small pool. One of his trees fell into his neighbor’s yard, which will cost $1,000 to have removed.

Bert’s grandson, Nathan, and son, Chet, have spent the last four days sorting through the debris and his daughter, Alicia, arrived on Tuesday to assist with clean-up. Bert and Chet will do as much of the rebuilding as possible, but they are not roofers. Bert is an octogenarian and a brittle diabetic. He has no insurance. We are trying to raise $20,000 to help cover the roof, drywall and replace bedroom furniture.

Bert loves his little house and yard so much and often sends pictures of them to his children with his famous phrase, “I’m living in a constant state of thankfulness.” He is so grateful that he still has a structure to rebuild and that he decided to evacuate during the storm.

Anything you could do to help would be much appreciated.

Note: Alicia Patterson, Bert's daughter, will manage the proceeds collected and pay all the bills for her father. If you want to contact her directly, please email her at [email redacted].