Tim Pawloski has been an agent with the Clearwater, FL Market Center since January 2021. On the night of September 26, 2024, the home that Tim and his wife share was inundated with 27 inches of water as Hurricane Helene ripped through the Eastern states. They lost almost everything in their home to water damage.
“We had to move everything out to the curb, including all appliances, kitchen cabinets, vanities, all furniture, all built-in closet shelves, leather couch, leather recliner, other couches, sofa, oversized chair and ottoman, all our beds… We had a 20 foot square, 6 foot high pile of debris out at the curb.“
In addition, their garage door and exterior doors were damaged, leaving the home basically sitting open. Since the hurricane hit, they have had change temporary housing SIX TIMES due to high demand, sometimes with less than a day’s notice.
“2 times we were told we had to move out by the next morning and had no idea where we were going to stay until late the following night.”
Coming Home
They finally gave up on temporary housing and moved back into their home while it was under reconstruction. They did not have a functioning kitchen or a fully functioning bathroom. They had to bathe, brush their teeth, and do dishes all in the bathroom tub. The only chairs they had left were from the outdoor patio set, and that’s what they used inside, day after day.
“It’s been over 5 months living in a house with no vanities, no kitchen countertops, no sinks, no interior doors that you can’t fix because you ran out of money to fix them.”
Their homeowners’ insurance does not cover flood damage, and all damage to their home was considered “due to flooding.”
Additional Challenges
In November 2024, Tim suffered a heart attack, had a stint placed to alleviate the 95% blockage in his Left Anterior Descending (LAD) artery, and was hospitalized for three days.
Due to the area-wide impact of the hurricane, the real estate market has been negatively impacted. Tim lost two listings and had one buyer cancel, all due to flooding. Just like the many people impacted in the region, it will take time for the market to recover.
How You Help through KW Cares
KW Cares was able to help with home repairs and replace damaged items so Tim and his wife can rebuild with security. And so they no longer have to eat their meals on lawn furniture!
“It has been very humbling having to ask for help. The KW Cares grant really came through and we are so very thankful for Keller Williams and for all the people who so graciously donated. It has been a long, painstaking journey that we couldn’t have done without your support.”
Your gifts to KW Cares help associates like Tim recover after major disasters. Please donate today!