The question has come up a number of times: If these families have insurance, why do they need our help?
If you closed your eyes right now, how many items could you list right around you? Can you imagine making a list of every item in the room? How about every book on your shelf?
This is what the insurance companies ask of people when they lose their homes. It's called a "content list." A list of every item in every room of the entire house. Different companies and policies work differently, but generally the family has the option to take a percentage of their house value (often 75%) for contents, or to itemize a detailed list. For most Americans, 75% does not cover the actual value of the contents of their homes.
And for most humans, remembering everything that should go on the list is impossible.
The money these families will receive from their insurance companies will primarily go toward rebuilding, and eventually to large purchases, such as furniture and appliances.
Many families have not seen that money yet, and are currently living off credit cards and the kindness of others. Some have even had to make mortgage payments on homes that no longer exist, as they wait for paperwork to process.
Know that your generosity has a direct impact on individual families here. Every usable donation will either end up on the shelves of one of our families, or, if no one needs it, sold, and the money given to the families.
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
photo by Alan Cleaver
