Client Story: Natasha

In disbelief of the magnitude of Hurricane Dorian, Natasha stayed put in her home in Grand Bahama as the storm approached. Born and reared in the Bahamas, Natasha had never experienced a hurricane as strong as Dorian in her 40 years of living there and couldn’t bear to leave her home.

Shock ensued as Dorian came ashore and water started to rush inside Natasha’s home.

“I saw the water lifting about an inch above the floor in my home, and that’s when my husband said we had to evacuate,” Natasha said.

The couple and their two daughters, ages 4 and 12, jumped in the family’s small car, and though water was all the way up to the seats, Natasha said the car still ran. She said when they put the car in reverse, a rush of water carried them up a hill.  They were able to escape and make their way to a nearby shelter. Natasha and her family lost everything after Dorian flooded their home.

“I’m still really shaken up,” Natasha said. “I go to counseling.”

Natasha, her sister and family arrived in Orlando at the end of September. They are temporarily staying at a friend’s empty rental property until they can go back to the Bahamas and rebuild. Natasha and her sister came to The Mustard Seed to receive clothing and furniture assistance. Natasha received several pieces of furniture,  linens and dishes to start over and said she’s grateful to the community.

“Thank you all for donating to help people like me during this time of distress,” Natasha said. “This is a blessing.”