Des Moines – A devastating basement flood last Wednesday left single mother Jamie Briar without flood insurance and facing the daunting task of replacing cherished family belongings.
Flood damage and personal loss
Heavy rains caused water to rise to 46 inches in Briar’s basement, submerging utilities, appliances and, most heartbreakingly, countless family mementos. “All my utilities, my washer, my dryer, my freezer, my HVAC,” she told KCCI, adding that the flood also destroyed “all my memorabilia, all my pictures, lots of family stuff.”
The lost items included generations‑old family photos, handwritten recipes passed down from her grandmother, and her son’s childhood toys and movies. “We dumped over 2,400 pounds of my belongings,” Briar said, describing her son’s reaction: “He feels like his childhood was going out in the garbage.”
No flood insurance, mounting financial strain
Although the water has been pumped out, Briar faces a steep financial burden. “I would put the heartbreak of money over the sadness of what I lost, because I know I worked my butt off to get where I am with my son, and I finally was in a really good place financially,” she explained. Without flood insurance, the cost of replacing appliances, furniture and irreplaceable memories falls squarely on her shoulders.
Community rallying to support Briar
Recognizing the severity of her situation, Briar’s coworkers have organized a GoFundMe campaign to help her rebuild. The fundraiser aims to cover essential replacements and provide a measure of relief while she works to restore her home and family history.
Local residents are encouraged to contribute to the GoFundMe page, which can be accessed through the link provided in the original KCCI story.
Broader context of Iowa flooding
Des Moines and surrounding areas have experienced increased flooding events in recent years, prompting discussions about infrastructure improvements and flood mitigation strategies. While the city works on long‑term solutions, stories like Briar’s highlight the immediate human impact of severe weather and the importance of community support.
City officials have not yet announced any specific assistance for Briar, but the incident underscores the need for broader awareness of flood‑insurance options and emergency preparedness for homeowners.
How readers can help
Those wishing to assist can donate directly to the GoFundMe campaign, share the fundraiser on social media, or offer in‑kind donations such as furniture, appliances or storage solutions. Community solidarity remains a vital resource for families navigating unexpected disasters.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
