My ex- hubby, his wife and their two daughters are now living in a tent trailer....sigh

[Tailormyst]

He is a hard working teamster who's condo was flooded with water and sewage in Fall River Mass a couple weeks ago. Fema, the red cross, catholic charities, etc have all told him " sorry, we can't help you, you make to much money". In fact the city did put him up in a hotel for 2 days with help from catholic charities, until the charity said 650 a week (they dont take into account child support) made him to rich for assistance. So he still has to pay the mortgage and pay for repairs, go to work, do the repairs himself, etc. Until then they are living in a tent trailer in someones yard. It will take a few months to make it livable again.

They lost almost everything. Our system is so broken. We give banks billions to give billions in bonuses to the billionaires. But the truck driver down the street who has lost everything...well fuck him, he should have planned better.......

The only thing anyone would offer was a loan that had to be paid back in 2 years. For a family living paycheck to paycheck, just getting by, that is no help at all.

[Odin2005]

1. That really sucks!

:(

[DrDan]

2. no doubt it is broken - that's what happens when we allow the

wealthy to make the rules.

So sorry for this disaster. I wish them the best.


on edit - I assume there is no displacement consideration in their insurance policy.

[mstinamotorcity]

3. Sorry to hear about his loss due to flood

Funny how they like to mandate flood insurance in order to receive financial assistance if your home is damaged by flood. The policy in most cases is a separate policy or codicil to your existing policy or purchased from the government. Whatever, the protection cost extra.Hopefully he and his family will get back into their home ahead of schedule. Maybe the family could get together with other family members and take a saturday or sunday and pitch in and help each other with their clean up of their homes. The work would go a long way to helping them get back in their homes. Maybe you can offer to throw a few hot dogs on the grill and make lemonade to feed those who help out.And spread it in their local church ( if they belong to one).And they probably should take turns helping out their neighbors in the area a lot of hands can go a long way.

[csziggy]

16. Flood insurance was a casualty of the block by Republicans on unemployment benefits

Bill to extend jobless benefits faces Senate showdown

By Ben Pershing
Monday, April 12, 2010

Congress is poised for another partisan showdown over extending unemployment insurance, as concerns about the growing budget deficit have complicated the path forward for an otherwise popular program.

On its first day back in session following a two-week recess, the Senate is scheduled to vote Monday on whether to end debate on a measure extending jobless benefits, subsidies for the COBRA health insurance program and federal flood insurance through May 5. Democrats will need at least one Republican supporter to get the 60 votes necessary to proceed.

The Senate failed to agree on the bill in late March, after Republicans rejected an attempt to expedite the measure's passage. Because of the impasse, beginning April 5 more than 200,000 unemployed people who had already exhausted their states' jobless benefits could not apply for additional benefits from the federal program, according to estimates by the National Employment Law Project, a liberal advocacy group.

More: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/11/AR2010041103586.html?hpid=moreheadlines

I am not sure how this affects the flood insurance for people in the area were the OP's ex lives, but apparently it does affect people who are trying to get new policies.

[Xenotime]

4. Why aren't foreclosed homes opened up to help people like this in need?

I just don't understand the world sometimes.

[BBG]

40. Compassion, thy name is Socialism

And we can't be having any of that socialistic compassion, now can we?

[apples and oranges]

5. Is it true that a flood could happen anywhere?

I've seen commercials saying that lately, but I thought the flood zones were pretty well established.

[merh]

12. Do not rely on the maps

Many people don't live in flood zones, until there is flooding. Then the maps are updated and their zones are noted on the new version of the maps.

Get flood insurance. Don't wait. Any damage done to your home via water (back up of sewer, broken water lines, etc) is considered flooding and you have to have flood insurance. Your homeowners will not cover the damage.

Fortunately, flood insurance is not that costly.

[tammywammy]

14. When you need to make a claim on flood insurance

It'll be worth every penny you spent over the years. During hurricane Ike almost every family member of mine had their houses flooded, most with 5-6 feet of water. They were not in a flood plain. I had quite a few family members without flood insurance, my grandfather being one of the ones that did.

[Tailormyst]

15. yes, they can

These floods were due to massive amounts of rainfall. My fiance's basement flooded out and he lives at the top of a very big hill.

These storms in New england caused rivers to over-flow, yes. But an enormous amount of flooding was just due to sheer volume of water coming down after multiple storms dropped huge amounts of rain.

[Codeine]

6. Flood Insurance?

If you can afford a mortgage you can afford flood insurance.

[NM_hemilover]

8. Flood Insurance???

What are you trying to make sense or something ?? More rewarding to blame "rich folk", and point fingers to a corrupt bailout.

There used to be a time when people took into account "the un-expected", like flood insurance in a town called Fall River.

[Tailormyst]

10. It's actually not a river, it's a city built on a big ass hill

Your compassion is overwhelming. I hope you never, ever suffer a loss and find yourself without anywhere to turn. But don't you worry- no one is going to be helping and he will be doing it all by himself. Bootstaps and all that.

[NM_hemilover]

37. Something caused a flood right ?

I'm taking a little for granted,..... that water caused the flood, big ass hill or not. Rain/river ??

What I am tired of hearing, in nearly every description of tragedy, is the inevitable .....our system is broke, ....big bank get bailed out but not the people etc etc. Compassion for his situation is one thing, a little preventative measures by him for his family is also "a thing". His tragedy is the platform for your political comments, my opinion only.

I have screwed myself with poor decisions. For example, not having sufficient auto insurance coverage, and having to borrow against my house to pay for damages not covered. It had nothing to do with politics or political corruption of the time, I opted for minimum insurance, paid the price, learned my lesson and won't do it again. I'll bet your ex-hubby won't make the same mistake either.

But I have no doubt that "I just don't get it". "Bootstraps" ? I think of it as taking responsibility for his actions.

[Tailormyst]

38. Record breaking rains caused it

Your lack of any sense of compassion is thankfully rare on this board. As for your comments about my posting for my political agenda, all I can say to that is " welcome to ignore" so I don't break any rules about what I think YOUR political agenda is.

[NM_hemilover]

43. ignored or not.

You posted a description of a personal family tragedy, caused by "record breaking rains". Had it not been for your description of how screwed you believe our system is, along with a quick commentary on corrupt bank bailouts, I imagine the thread would have been moved to the Lounge.

What fun would that be ?

My sense of compassion is just fine. I didn't respond "I'm so sorry for his tragedy, yes you are right our system is screwed", but if that is what you were going for, then it is best you put me on ignore because telling people what they WANT to hear isn't me. Start a thread about how corrupt and corrosive our system CAN be, and I'll bet we agree on more than you think. But going fishing for political commentary, by using a families personal tragedy isn't something you and I will see eye to eye on.

I made no political statement, that was in disagreement with you. I just don't agree with your style, but that's OK, not all teammates hang out as friends.

Take care.

[uppityperson]

35. My my my, aren't you the cutest little thing

[Ikonoklast]

45. I wonder if it floods under the bridge sometimes.

[NM_hemilover]

48. If there is a river, I imagine it does flood uner the bridge,

However, I'll bet Uppity person appreciates the back up.

[Ikonoklast]

54. There is a 'tell' involved here.

Bet you don't know what it is.

[NM_hemilover]

55. Just recently started posting on DU but I'll play.

I just started posting so I have a low post count, I haven't donated to DU yet because I'm still feeling my way around, which is also why I have not completely filled in my profile. I'm not ashamed of my passion for old iron or the NY Giants, even though I dig Eli, I will forever wear my Phill Simms jersey, and forever love the smells and sounds of old Mopar muscle. I haven't jumped into political discussions as of yet, because of the pattern I have witnessed with low post count "noobs". Cutting my teeth as it were. If what it takes to be accepted at DU is to agree with everything everybody else says, regardless of my own thoughts, then it will be a short trip and hardly worth attaching a bunch of personal information to a site that doesn't want me here. I've chosen a few threads that have topics that leave room for my personal opinion, and have spat it out there to see what reactions I get. Some have resulted in a little bit of mutual understanding before it was over, and I'm also sure that today was not the only time I have been put on ignore. Just like the differences in watching someone wrench on an old car, and doing it yourself, there are bound to be a few cracked knuckles along the way. My inconsistent posting time etc. is due to the fact that I am fortunate enough to still be very busy in an industry that is at best very fragile, so I get on during the day when I have time. I have watched all this unfold a thousand times and may be cutting my own throat now (or ordering a "pizza" to use the code word).

I have read DU over the shoulder of my girlfriend who has been here posting for years. Before I started I promised I would not out who she is, because she does not think I am "left enough" to be accepted. She may be correct. I am under the impression that I have been alerted on recently, or will be soon, however I have tried to be very open about my opinions and thoughts, throughout my short posting time. I have my own thoughts and opinions, and I will express them. I see no value in posting "agreement" responses over and over to gain favor, when I agree with a thread, I have usually just given it a rec.

I've lived in Albuquerque, for some time. Other than the speeding tickets from the fricking red light cameras I was very impressed with Marty Chavez as our Mayor, and hope he stays involved in our city even though he is out of office. I won't agree with everything about our Governor, but I believe Bill Richardson has brought more good to NM than bad. The Railrunner is fun, pretty cool and long term I think will work out well, the space port is still in the que as far as I'm concerned. The attention he has brought to NM has had some fantastic results, for example, the booming movie production business in NM can be directly tied to his efforts in large part. Along with LANL, KAFB, WSMR etc, and a general "off the map" feeling, as a General Contractor he has had a major impact on keeping Albuquerque a quiet little success in the SW.

I am old enough to have "take care of yourself" tattooed into my personality, and is one of the main reasons I was warned that I won't fit in. I voted for Bush the first time, bagged the election in 04, but was convinced to vote for President Obama in 08. I will not agree with everything I have witnessed happen since he took office, but by and large I am still optimistic that our course is correcting. There are still some rough seas ahead, and the Congress/Senate have been somewhat less than inspiring over the past few months.

After 5 here, and I'm going home. Going to see Sherlock Holmes tonight, but will check back in, in the morning. I have watched DU since an amazing wooden box was presented for Kef, I cannot remember the name of the person who built it, but a wooden pyramid box is not for the beginner, it was very impressive, and I'm sure Kef would have agreed. I have had my opinions changed, mostly by my love, but also by DU topics.

that is about as long winded description of myself as I can offer, or will offer. If I'm not banned, then I'll see you later.

[Ikonoklast]

56. All that, and it still went right over your head.

See you around.

[NM_hemilover]

57. maybe, maybe not

[Ikonoklast]

58. Wooooosh.

[NM_hemilover]

59. Your brilliance in conversation is too much for me,

I'm not ashamed to believe people are responsible for their own lives, and if I should be, then I've misunderstood a great deal about what I have been exposed to in the recent political past. I'll not join the vast number of people simply congratulating each other on such a wonderfully acceptable format presented to DU for a group approval.


Whatever you think you have figured out about me will remain your little secret, since you seem unable to converse in anything but your own coded messages. I've tried to exchange with you, and was incredibly blunt and offered a basic summary of who I am. I doubt I'll ever fit your model for who is and who isn't acceptable.

Take care.

[NM_hemilover]

60. Told you,.............. all he had was calling you a troll.

[NM_hemilover]

61. yep

[NM_hemilover]

47. Thanks,

But I hardly think you mean what you say. You can see me from all the way up there ?

[NM_hemilover]

52. Just for kicks,

I looked up Fall River Mass, just to be sure of a few things. I'll stand by my opnion, no flood insurance in that proximity to water, not the best move. "Big ass hill" or not, no policy for flooding in that area is risky/risky at best.

[Tailormyst]

9. Well, they didn't have it.

Alot of people don't have it. This was an extraordinary flood event.

[tammywammy]

13. Unfortunately it seems to happen during every flood

I'm surprised they can't get help due to amount of money they make. After hurricane Ike, my family was able to get FEMA trailers regardless of income level. But then again, it took weeks and weeks for FEMA trailers to actually hit the ground. I believe if you didn't have flood insurance the families were given around $20k to gut their house and re-do it. And they weren't in a flood plain either but their houses got 5-6 feet of water in them.

Is FEMA offering trailers?

[Tailormyst]

18. No

All fema will give them is a small low interest loan that has to be paid back in two years. It's just not an additional bill they will be able to afford. They live pay check to pay check. If it had been one of the loans spread out over a longer time period they could have done it.

I was shocked when Catholic Charities threw them out of the hotel.

The Teamsters are taking up collections of used appliances and things from members so hopefully once the place is gutted and rebuilt they will have one less expense.

[tammywammy]

24. That really sucks

This kind of BS seems to happen during every disaster too.

[Tailormyst]

29. Well- I know for myself, it's prompted me to get flood insurance on the fiancées house

Even though he lives at the top of a big ass hill. He lost the water heater and sump pump and spent days off work pumping. That's nothing compared to those at the bottom of the hill.

[NNN0LHI]

17. Doesn't look like flood insurance would have even helped

http://www.heraldnews.com/highlight/x1043115590/Flanagan-blasts-insurance-companies-in-wake-of-flooding

>>>Families with flood insurance are being told the damage was not a flood. Families without flood insurance are being told it was flood damage, residents said at the forum.<<<

[tammywammy]

19. That seems to happen during every flood

Home Owners Ins says it was a flood, flood insurance says it was wind driven rain. One or the other will eventually have to pay out.

[Tailormyst]

21. Yup his insurance originally said they would cover due to the sewage line breaks

But then they said " Sorry, the break was not on your street, it was on the next one over so it's considered run off". The whole this is a big mess. Then the mayor got everyone into hotels while things were repaired, but then the charity kicked out anyone over their income limit.

[NNN0LHI]

22. Jeebus what a mess

I feel sorry for all these people.

Don

[goldcanyonaz]

27. Insurance companies love to deny claims until they are fought on it.

I hope all those with flood insurance fight this company for payout.

[Codeine]

28. They always try that crap at first.

If the homeowner stands firm eventually they'll get paid out from one policy or the other, assuming they have flood insurance to begin with; if they don't they are in a world of shit.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

50. You did read how much the guy makes, right? -nt

[Fumesucker]

7. I just posted a story about a woman with four kids living in a travel trailer..

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x8134730

Indeed, I spent a year living in a travel trailer myself with my two small dogs, not so bad for a single person but for a family it's really hard..

So sorry to hear of your ex's misfortune..

[Tailormyst]

11. I read your post and its so sad

At least my ex will only have to do it for a few months and thankfully it's no longer freezing outside.

[goldcanyonaz]

20. n/m just read above.

[Tailormyst]

23. Because they didn't live in a place that is known to flood

And like many people they didn't think they needed it. But the massive rainfall turned streets into rivers and the sewage lines broke and the water and sewage flowed right down the hills and into his street level condo.

[Codeine]

25. The fact that he didn't live in a flood zone

would have made it cheap as hell, too. :( I hope DUers see this story and add flood coverage to their house.

[goldcanyonaz]

26. I read above where someone asked about the insurance so I deleted my reply.

[EFerrari]

30. A family of 4 living on $650 a week minus child support

must have a hard time buying insurance period.

I hope something turns up for them soon.

[Tailormyst]

31. I know, it's not like it's much money- especially in MA.

I'm glad winter is over.

[elocs]

32. Giving billion$ to banks was a bonehead mistake that will come back to bite both Democrats

and Obama in the ass, especially to the exclusion of helping the common people in this country who were and are really suffering.

[Javaman]

33. Having volunteered for the Red Cross in the past...

I find it very hard to fathom that they wouldn't help them.

Not that I'm doubting you, but that part doesn't seem correct.

[Tailormyst]

34. I was shocked also Javaman

But no on is helping and they are indeed living in a tent trailer. I had them call Gov Patrick, Congressman McGovern, etc. The whole this is really sad. Once the house is able to be occupied again then I know friends and family will be able to help with used stuff and even some new replacement things.

[OneGrassRoot]

36. A friend of mine had a similar situation with an apartment fire...

in Florida, and was surprised that the Red Cross could only provide a voucher for two nights at a motel; the local shelters were full.

All resources are overextended. :(

I wish The American Citizenry was viewed as too big to fail. :(

[cutlassmama]

39. I wonder if the Red Cross is tapped out due to Haiti right now

[flyarm]

41. Same thing happened to my Family and many many other families after the Northridge earthquake in

1994..it doesn't just happen to truck drivers..

Our home was totally destroyed after the earthquake, as were most of our neighbors homes....then the banks called our loans for immediate repayment of our entire mortgages..if you couldn't pay off your mortgage on an entirely destroyed home, the bank foreclosed and sold your property off in auctions, in our streets!

FEMA pays out so little it isn't even hardly a bandaid...people don't realize that..they just hear FEMA comes in..they don't know it barely pays out anything..and SBA only gives loans to rebuild if you have a very small income. We could not get a SBA disaster loan..because my husband and I worked.

Then you fight to get your insurance to pay anything..when it is declared a national disaster..you are sent on a circular run of your tail with all of them. Then the politicians make deals with the insurance corps and you get pennies to the dollar..to try to put your life back together again.

Bob Dole was holding up aide to us in Calif and I wrote a letter to the Kansas City Star newspaper that ran on the full second page of the paper ..and I ripped him a new asshole..and it embarrassed him when I wrote in detail how we were living day to day.. we had formerly live din Kansas City and my husband was well known in Kansas City so it was an embarassment to him. He finally passed what Clinton asked him to pass in aide to us in Calif.

And no one knows what you are really covered for until you lose it all, and then realize the security you thought you had, is no security at all..or very very little, in a disaster.

And it doesn't matter what your job is..or your income..or the price of your home. On my street in the Valley of LA At least 12 homes were auctioned off by the banks after the earthquake, when the banks recalled people's loans after a major disaster. The people could not instantly pay off their mortgages. Not one of the homes was under 1/2 million dollars. ( it is expensive to live in Calif..housing is extremely costly )

It took over 6 months for my family to get a one time payment of $1,300.00 from FEMA..that didn't even pay for 1/2 of one month of my mortgage payment!

Oh and my family had to live in a trailer in front of our home for 5 months..we had to stay close, so the house would not be looted. For the first month ( 45 days exactly) we lived on matresses in our back yard and with each after - shock our pool flooded the mattresses.
My home had been red tagged and we were not allowed to enter our home, as it was too dangerous.

At one point, a woman from FEMA called to see how we were doing, by the time she called I was half crazy from our living conditions and worrie about my son...and how this would forever effect him...and the woman had a heavy southern accent and she told me FEMA would help pay for stress counciling..I said wonderful!!!! (with excitement in my voice )...that was great news!!!...can you send over 4 shrinks to hold up my fireplaces ..so I can go into my home for clean underwear !!..she didn't laugh. I didn't either, I was actually serious about it. Going to the bathroom, on a paint bucket for months ..I will assure you..is not pleasant.

One thing I can say I learned from that disaster is ..you are on your own..you learn to fight the insurance corps ..and our government..and the banks, with all you have..and it takes so much out of you..but when you look at your family and no one is harmed physically..( you are all harmed emotionally) you are rich..

Things can and will be replaced..they are just things..but life can not be replaced..

and Laughter is your greatest ally...and will sustain you, when you think nothing can get worse...because it does.

Your true wealth is your family and their health..and safety.

Things we all take for granted each and every day.

We were lucky ..our family helped us move across the country and start our lives over again.

Was it easy..no.

But we all have our health and our lives..so on you go ..

and today I try to laugh at all the little things..because we survived the big things.and I try to help those that face the "big things" the best I can.

[Tailormyst]

44. Wow- Thank you for sharing that.

I admire your strength, I don't know if I could have handled all that.

[flyarm]

46. One doesn't always have choices..but must live with what life deals them! eom

[midnight]

42. Broken is right.

[Dappleganger]

49. It's unbelievable.

Are we in a 3rd-world country or what??

[upi402]

51. Developing countries

Have more affordable living. This transition phase will be brutal here, as prices correct. We are broken and are not taking corrective measures.

Obama 'may' be playing the long game. But in the the long run - we're all dead.

[Name removed]

53. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.