Natural disasters don’t just leave physical damage—they can upend lives in unexpected ways. Following the aftermath of various natural disasters, the America’s Warrior Partnership (AWP) Network acted as a safeguard for many veterans to help them move forward.
Unfortunately, Hurricane Helene left veteran Mr. McDonald and his wife, Kimberly, unable to work. Kimberly, who works remotely, lost access to power for an extended period, while her husband, who sells water purification systems, saw his business halt completely. With no income coming in, the couple fell behind on their mortgage payments for November and part of December.
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When they reached out for help, AWP Network Advocate Elizabeth Timmreck immediately sifted through their options. The Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) Economic Opportunity Authority scheduled an appointment for the veteran in January, but the CSRA Veterans and Families Foundation had already exhausted its 2024 funds. The advocate provided other local and national resources, but no responses came through.
Undeterred, Elizabeth followed up at the beginning of the new year and learned that the Veterans and Families Foundation had secured funding for 2025. Acting quickly, the advocate helped the McDonalds submit their application. The EOA provided funds for hurricane relief, and the Veterans and Families Foundation covered the remaining cost of their debt—ensuring the family could stay in their home.
The AWP Network helped this veteran family regain hope for moving forward through persistence and collaboration. Even in the wake of disaster, the right support network can make all the difference.