My Godchildren & Extended Family Lost Everything in a Flood — Let’s Help Them Rebuild
My godchildren and their parents — my dearest friends — lost nearly everything on Sunday in a massive flood that overtook their first-floor studio apartment in Accra, Ghana.
They live in a modest, self-contained space in an unpaved neighborhood. During the storm, open gutters overflowed, sending sewage-contaminated water — full of feces, urine, and debris — pouring into their home.
Their apartment is now a major hazard, and almost all of their belongings are ruined. They have short-term temporary safety.
There is no renter’s insurance available in the area, and the landlord is not responsible for repairs or assistance.
The father was trapped inside for more than 16 hours before the waters subsided enough to escape. Thankfully, the mother and three children (ages 2, 3, and 7) were out of the home when it happened.
What Was Lost
Much of their belongings floated away or are beyond repair. This includes:
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Mattresses and bed frames (they all shared one bed)
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Refrigerator and freezer
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Hot plate, manual laundry machine
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Clothing and shoes for all five family members
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Books, school uniforms, and textbooks
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Toys, baby gear, personal documents
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Electronics (chargers, phone, tablets)
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All wall sockets and appliances (fried circuits)
Why This Family Matters to Me
- Joeshmail and I have been friends since 2010, when we worked together at a preschool in Ghana. She is the kindest, most dedicated person I know.
- She’s the first in her family to attend college and is currently in her second year studying business management at the University of Ghana.
- Her husband is also continuing his education while working full-time to support their children.
I’ve traveled to Ghana ten times since 2009 — and this family is why I return. They are my extended family.
How Funds Will Be Used:
Your support will help this family get back on their feet with safety, dignity, and hope. Our goal is $10,000 but anything helps. Funds will go directly toward:
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Emergency housing and food
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Hazard cleanup and salvaging what they can
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New clothing, bedding, and essentials
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Replacement of appliances and electronics
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School supplies and textbooks
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Rent toward a new, safe apartment
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Loss of wages and contingency needs
How You Can Help
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Donate whatever you can — every bit helps
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Share this fundraiser with your network
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Connect us with a trusted landlord or available unit in Labadi, Labone, Osu or surrounding areas (under 3K GHC monthly)
Let’s show this family they’re not alone. Let’s help them rebuild.
📧 Questions or resources? Email me at jessyekass@gmail.com
