Flooded Out
Imagine alarms shrieking, rousing you from bed and sending you dashing in nightclothes outside into 20-degree darkness of the early hours. Devastating for any of us; doubly devastating for the 43 women and 19 children at Chrysalis House in Crownsville on Jan. 9 when a water main burst.
Chrysalis House is a sanctuary aiding “women through their addiction and mental health treatment, while helping them build a strong foundation in recovery, become better mothers, and learn to be financially stable,” the organization’s web site explains. Women may bring their children with them into the treatment programs.
“Many of the clients reported feeling absolutely terrified when the alarm went off, and then a new, colder kind of fear when they realized that their child was wearing only a diaper and a T-shirt and they could not go back and get anything for them,” said program director Beata Kinsey.
The broken water pipe caused major flooding, collapsing the ceiling in sleeping, kitchen and working areas of the home.
Women and children are in temporary housing as the mess is cleaned and damage repaired.
Restoring domestic tranquility is a job that can use your help.
Chrysalis House is welcoming donations of food, bedding and clothing for women and children.
“Monetary donations to assist with the unexpected damage and restoration are also greatly appreciated,” says executive director Lorene Lake.
Make donations online at www.ChrysalisHouses.org or and mail checks to Chrysalis House, 1570 Crownsville Rd., Crownsville, MD 21032.