Help Jessica Aquilina rebuild her home...

Co-organized

Betsy Schwartz and Jessica Aquilina are organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

From Jessica:

"I just wanted to update my community to let you know what’s going on in our lives. We are going through a home nightmare. Long story short, two raccoons invaded our home and caused tremendous damage. I caught the male, but the female became lodged in between the construction and died.

I've had a profession hazmat team come over and they have made it safe for us to re-enter. However, the putrid smell has imbedded itself in all of our personal belongings. I’m starting the process of trying to save what I can. Clothing and other washable items should be fine. Other things like mattresses and furniture will likely have to be replaced.

Not only have we lost those items, but we are looking at extreme home repairs. The ceiling, some walls, insulation, duct work and carpet will all need to be replaced. The remains of the female raccoon became maggot-ridden and have caused damage to the bathroom. We will have to Kilz all exposed wood and repaint. Until we start demolition we will not know the true extent of the damage.

Even though I have 4 insurance policies (that I assumed would help during something like this) animal damage is not covered.

Everything will have to be out of pocket for us. We were financially struggling before this, but this will be one of the hardest trials I’ve ever had to go through.

I’m a stay-at-home momma to Marlowe and Mike is working hard to keep us afloat, but we don’t have this kind of money to make our home livable again.

A contractor is coming over next week to give us estimates on what needs to be done. But in all honesty we can’t pay to have the work done.

I honestly don’t know any way that we can make it through this without asking for help.

Please keep us in your heart during this difficult time."

The damage is between the living area floors of the home, not the attic space. The Biowaste Cleaning Technicians, who were hired to clean the home, advised that Jessica not move back to the premises until all repairs are completed.
We all know Jessica as the person who would do anything for anyone. She is really struggling and if there is any amount that you can contribute to help her, it will be so greatly appreciated.