Starks Family Flood Relief Fund

Just a few weeks ago tens of thousands of people in Baton Rouge, Louisiana became homeless over night because of torrential flooding that's being called the worst natural disaster since Hurricane Sandy. Two of the households belonged to my family -- my aunt and uncle's household as well as their eldest son's (my cousin's) family.

My name is Missy and while I was born in Baton Rouge, I now live in Northern Virginia with my husband and dog named Tebeaux. This Go Fund Me page is to help raise relief funds to attempt to soften the burden for my family so that after they gut everything and treat mold, they can begin to rebuild -- they'll need walls, cabinets, appliances, beds, clothes, shoes, and everything in between. Learn more below about ways you can help!

Many of us can't even imagine what it must feel like to wake up one morning to water rushing into our home while our children, in-laws, and pets are sleeping down the hall. Praise God each of my family members and their pets were rescued and brought to safety, while other families were not so lucky.

Where They Called Home for 40 Years...
My Aunt Gail, Uncle Jerry and my cousin, their adult daughter who has special needs, have lived in their home in Central for over 40 years and are now dealing with the destruction that several feet of water leaves behind, drowning everything with mud and mold from clothes and shoes to appliances, mattresses, and furniture. Everything must be gutted and sprayed for mold, and very little is salvageable. They are in their late 60's and are having to start over.

This house was considered home to me and my immediate family as well since we moved around every couple of years while I was growing up. This was the one consistent place filled with love, southern hospitality, and cherished memories. So again I praise God that while so many things are ruined and need to be rebuilt, the family who created that home are safe.

Unfortunately that's not where the devastation ends for my family.

Their eldest son Brandon, his wife Annalee, and their two young daughters, who just moved into a nearby community also in Central this past February, were not spared by the flood. Annalee is one of the strongest women I know. After losing all of their material possessions from the last 17+ years, below is what she had to say...

Annalee's words after being rescued from the flood:
"As I lay in bed, my adrenaline is finally starting to shake out of me. I never in my wildest dreams (more like nightmares) would've thought I would wake up at 6 am with flood waters rushing through my home. So many thoughts and fears hit me at once. We were blessed that the EBR sheriffs dept rescued us in time as the water and currents are a beast. We have lost everything but tonight I'm alive and my children and husband & puppies are safe next to me."

"My heart is broken for my community. Yet I know we are all resilient and the Lord will continue to provide us with the strength that is needed to move forward. It's a strange feeling to not have a home to return to or a car. But as I hear my 2 year old kiss her sister and tell her 'you are the best sissy in the world' I know I have everything I truly need right here. I am blessed with family who risked their own lives and own comforts to ensure we are safe."

How You Can Help!
There are two things we need:

1. By Praying - not just for strength, perseverance, and encouragement for my family but for their communities as well. Our God is mighty to save and He hears our prayers. “In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me.” - Jonah 2:2

2. By Giving a Donation - Every little bit helps. Consider giving a monetary donation of any size. Right now this is what they need over actual store bought items as they just wouldn't have anywhere to store these things since they are living with friends who have generously taken them in while their homes are being rebuilt. Gift cards for stores like Target (or other stores accessible in Central) and the like would be great for down the road but not really sure how to do that through Go Fund Me.

From the Bottom of My Heart, Thank You!
I cannot express what your prayers and generosity have meant to me over the last two weeks on behalf of my family and I know it means the world to them during this great time of trial. Thank you!