After the tornado, Jack*, a Menasha homeowner with a disability, checked into a hotel because his home had no power and no water. Later, he learned that his insurance would not cover the stay because his home did not meet the policy’s definition of “uninhabitable”, a situation many residents have faced after the storm.

Like many people with disabilities, Jack lives on a carefully balanced budget. A sudden expense could have quickly become a financial crisis.

With dollars from the Community Response Fund, SOAR Fox Cities was able to cover Jack’s hotel stay and repair a thermostat damaged by the power outage. The assistance helped him return home safely without a major financial setback.

Because he received help when he needed it, Jack was able to move beyond his own crisis and focus on helping others. Shortly after returning home, he was spotted riding his bike on Doty Island to help clear debris.

When neighbors have what they need in the moment, they can focus on what’s next instead of what they’ve lost. That’s the difference community support can make.