It took TWO minutes to literally upheave, twist and turn my dear friend Heather and her 3 boys lives upside down. Lovell Crossing Apartments were hit hard by the EF2 TORNADO on Monday Aug 7th here in West Knoxville. Heather and her boys were evacuated and now displaced. Her oldest son was home alone when it hit and you can imagine how scared he and Heather were until they could reach each other. Thank God he was safe and knew what to do, but they had to pack up as much as they could take in 30 minutes in the dark before everyone was evacuated. This was the day before school started!
Heather is a teacher at Bearden Middle, and her sons go to Hardin Valley. Everyone assumes insurance will swoop in, but that didn't happen in this case. There has been little immediate assistance or communication from insurance or the apartment complex. So far, they only got a discount rate at a hotel for $85/night. It isn't efficient for 4 people in one room trying to work and go back to school. Insurance says they will reimburse her, but the fact of the matter is she is on a teachers salary and just paid rent days before. I am begging for any assistance we can give her!
They don't have any info on whether it will be weeks or months before they will have the apartments ready to live in. They will allow them to break lease if needed. She has been paying $1400/mo. but can't find at least a two bedroom in Hardin Valley school zone for under $1800. If we can help her supplement the monthly difference for them for awhile, she and her boys can at the very least get a place to call home and contine school at Hardin Valley. There is no telling what condition her furniture and belongings will be in.
Heather is an amazing mother, teacher, friend and a beautiful person. There have been very few people I've known that sacrifices over and over for people as she has. Heather continuously has to overcome lifes obstacles on her own and she's so strong. She shouldn't have to fight this one alone. Please make a contribution, even a little from many of us can make a huge impact! Even if you are unable to contribute money, please help by spreading the word and sending prayers!
UPDATE 8/18/23: Heather was given just hours notice to come get all of her belongings out. The apartments have no power and mold is setting in. Luckily her unit was not one that got looted. We were not able to fit everything into one storage unit, so she has to rent two. The movers, storage units and expenses are adding up quickly. Deposits are required everywhere to move in, and there is nothing immediately available so she is still rotating hotels for as many days as she can do at a time. Everything is being held up waiting for the complex to give some directive or answers regarding the status of the buildings or leases. It is unknown if residents will need to hire an attorney or take legal action, but it's not off the table.
I have increased the donation request as issues are unfolding. I can't thank everyone enough who has already given from their hearts!
Check out Heather's interview on the news at the link below.
People still left without a home after early August tornado
