Support Jenn and Ernie's Recovery from Flood

On August 18th, 2024, many towns in SW Connecticut experienced what is called a "training thunderstorm" with devastating amounts of water destroying homes, businesses and properties. Unfortunately, as the rains began to subside in the early morning another flash flood event changed the lives of my husband's brother and his sister, who both live in Southbury. A culvert higher up collected significant debris completely clogging the pipe and backing up the water. It eventually broke and sent a tsunami of water to the houses below. Thankfully, my family members, were rescued and evacuated by the fire department & police after 1:30am after being trapped inside their homes by deep mud & downed trees.

While it might not have been a dam, a collapsing culvert is dam-like. Many homes along Southford Rd were pummeled, washing away interior belongings & exterior buildings, cars swept up in the current or filled with mud & water if secured in the garage, and leaving home foundations at risk. Lush yards now look like a desolate desert of mud littered with piles of broken debarked trees & debris.

I am asking for help for my SIL Jenn and her husband Ernie. You can see by the photos the amount of damage their home & property endured. They also had a little farm with a large garden providing them supplemental food as well as a coop with chickens, ducks, guard geese & rabbits. There is an overturned pick-up truck on the concrete pad where coop was. Chickens & ducks are presumed dead. We discovered that 2 of the geese – Laverne & Ozzie – survived, although Laverne was injured and needed special care. Both were adopted by an animal sanctuary.

You can help in two ways: (1) referrals & resources of tradespeople who are willing to help them rebuild their home & restore their property out of generosity when the time comes; and (2) financial assistance to get through what will most likely be months, even years, of navigating insurance and FEMA claims.

The funds raised will go towards:

Every donation, no matter how small, will make a significant difference in helping them get back on their feet. Our family is incredibly grateful that they are all safe & unharmed and at the same time deeply sad about the significant losses they have experienced.

Thanks to all for your generosity, compassion & empathy. We appreciate every prayer as well as any other heartfelt wishes. And if you have any other suggestions or recommendations to assist Jenn & Ernie in rebuilding their home, please reach out.

Dan & Karen Pierce