Help Amalia (Amy) and Her Son Rebuild After Hurricane Helene

My friend, Amy, is a devoted single mother doing everything she can to care for her 11‑year‑old son, who has special needs. For years, she’s worked hard to create a stable, loving home and a small art studio that allowed her to support her family through classes, workshops, and her own artwork. But when Hurricane Helene struck North Carolina in September 2024, everything changed.

The storm severely damaged Amy’s home and her studio — her primary source of income — was flooded. She lost thousands of dollars in original artwork, and the space became unusable for teaching or creating. The storm didn’t just damage her home; it took away her livelihood.

Despite the deteriorating conditions, she and her son had no choice but to continue living there — without reliable running water, without a functioning septic system, and with only partial electricity. A power surge destroyed most of her kitchen appliances. The small amount of FEMA assistance she received shortly after the hurricane were used for basic survival. As a single mother caring for a child with special needs, every dollar went toward keeping them afloat.

The home became increasingly unsafe. With limited resources and nowhere else to go, they endured as long as they could. Eventually, it was determined that the home was completely unlivable.

There is a path forward — but she needs help to reach it.

Amy was approved for Renew NC, a state‑run disaster recovery program funded federally. The program has committed to repairing her home, with an estimated cost of $100,000. This is the lifeline she has been praying for.

But before repairs can begin, she must resolve a $6,800 “duplication‑of‑benefits” gap tied to the earlier FEMA assistance. This is a bureaucratic requirement — not a repair cost — and it is the only thing standing between Amy and the start of reconstruction.

Because she has been displaced, lost her income, and is still navigating the aftermath of the storm, she simply does not have the funds to cover this unexpected gap.

And the deadline is January 12. EDIT: CAMPAIGN WILL REMAIN OPEN FOR THOSE INCLINED TO HELP THEM MAKE IT THROUGH THE END (See Updates).

If the $6,800 is not paid by then, her Renew NC application will be terminated, and the opportunity to rebuild her home will be lost.

This fundraiser is meant to be a short‑term bridge — a way to clear this one remaining obstacle so repairs can finally begin and Amy and her son can return to a safe, stable home.

Every contribution, no matter the size, brings them one step closer to rebuilding their lives.

Thank you for taking the time to read their story and for helping a family who has endured so much.

Your kindness truly makes a difference.