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| Letters From Survivors of Hurricanes Katrina & Rita |
| We didn't expect such a great response to our offer for a 75% discount on our house plans but we thought you'd like to read how the efforts of others (including ourselves) are helping the survivors of hurricanes Katrina and Rita to rebuild their lives. |
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"Dear Creativehouseplans.com:
Although none of the house plans fit my needs... I THANK YOU! I thought I would take the time to e-mail and let Rick Ruscio know that I truly appreciate the discount offer of 75% for Katrina survivors. I would NOT say we are victims (as stated on your website). But, survivors.
My childhood home of over 30 years (my Mother's current home), as well as all my family members and friends from Gulfport, Waveland, Bay St. Louis and Pass Christian, MS... along with my brother's home in St. Bernard Parish (Chalmette) LA were destroyed. My Mother's home received 12 feet of water from the tidal surge that came in from the Gulf of Mexico.
I live in Mobile, AL and have for almost 20 years, now. I am traveling back and forth to Waveland, MS to salvage as much as I can from the "muck and mud" inside my Mother's home (left from the tidal surge) before we bulldoze it.
My Mother is 67 years old and lives on a family-owned street. We are trying so hard to pick up the pieces and move on with our lives. She would love to rebuild on the family-owned street... but, she is getting up in age and is (basically) worn out! I would love to see her rebuild, but I am a buyer! Ha! I have never had a home built before and neither has she.
We are left with only one choice if she desires to be on Bradford Lane once again. I pray we both can find the motivation and energy it will take to rebuild! Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
My only intention for writing this e-mail was to THANK YOU. I was very touched by the fact you would offer a discount... and, 75%! For that, you deserve all the thanks from a Katrina survivor and more.
I did not mean to write such a long e-mail! But, just knowing someone in Pine, CO cares about us... makes me feel special. In fact, you are the ONLY house plan website I have seen offering a discount to us!
Again, many thanks! I truly appreciate the fact you are trying to reach out to us.
Take care, always ~
Jan Smith
Cc: Please see to it that Rick Ruscio receives a copy of my thank you e-mail. Thanks!"
Editor Addendum: Jan Smith, a Katrina survivor, is from Waveland, MS
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Rick Ruscio, owner of creativehouseplans.com, responded to Jan Smith's letter:
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Additional online resources for hurricane survivors.
Habitat for Humanity International
| A nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness worldwide. |
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> Hello Jan
> Thank you for your pleasant response. It is sad to hear that you, your Mother, brother and so many more lost there precious homes! I wish I could do
> more. The clean up must seem never ending!
>
> If you or any of your fellow "survivors" have a particular custom house plan in mind, that they would like to build and may need drawings for, let me know
> and I will discount those drawings as well.
>
> Wishing the best, with warmest regards during your recovery,
> Rick
> creativehouseplans.com
>
> PS I've requested that my website designer change the word victim to
> "survivor"
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Date: Thu, 13 Oct 2005 16:46:07
"Thanks so very much, Rick! Your heart is sooooo in the right place! BIG smiles! God will bless you greatly for your kindness.
Again, many thanks for doing your part (major discount @ 75%) during America's biggest natural disaster.
Take care and thanks for writing back ~
Sincerely,
Jan
PS So happy to hear the web designer is going to change it to survivor. Yay! (smiles) We southerners are strong spirited and can always find a reason to smile... even during times like these. Through the "muck, mud and rubble" we will (indeed) survive! Amid the debris, we hang our American flags high! They are the most colorful things you see around. Everything else is brown! Ha!"
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