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Hoosier hospitality helping family that lost everything in Hurricane Michael

Posted at 9:53 AM, Oct 19, 2018
and last updated 2018-10-19 09:53:51-04

GREENWOOD, Ind. -- Jason Napier and his family lived in Greenwood before moving to Panama City, Florida just four months ago to help take care of his wife's elderly parents. Shortly after their move, Hurricane Michael struck.

The family's documents were destroyed in the storm, including pay stubs, debit cards, and other documents. They can't even prove they've been employed in Florida. 

A family member posted in a Plainfield, Indiana Facebook group to ask if anybody could help the family as they try to move back to central Indiana. Karen Newman, a local realtor, decided to help out.

She's looked at several homes for the family, sending them videos and even paid for the application fees herself. But they've hit roadblocks along the way.

"I wanted to do something besides give money," Newman said. "I wanted to be able to utilize my resources and help them find a home."

The Indiana Department of Insurance recommends you do the following things before a disaster strikes:

  • Create a home inventory, including written and visual documentation of all household items and valuables
  • Collect your insurance Information
  • Make electronic copies of any insurance policies with the agent's contact information
  • Keep paper documentation filed in a safety deposit box.

To help the Napier family rebuild, contact Karen Newman at karen@indyhomepros.com.