Talk Mold

Hi Amy and family,

My name is Jennifer Jakubowski, last October my family and I were told we had to leave our home and throw all our possessions away. Due to toxic mold, so I understand how confused and overwhelmed you are feeling. My husband and I have 3 children, 9, 6, and 1. So the feeling of fear for you children’s health I also understand. The spore count in our house was over 11,600 spores per cubic meter, with over 8 types of dangerous mold present. As your probably aware 500 is considered alarm for serious health issues, and an unsafe living atmosphere. Our baby’s room read (to numerous to count) according to the lab that analyzed the results. We had just bought the house one year prior to that, moving our children out of a busy city. The mold took everything we owned, and infested the entire house, including the frame work, so the whole thing needs to get demolished. I read your story and felt my heart going back to the first few months after we found out. I wish I could tell you it gets easier, however for us it has been 9 months since we found out and we are still homeless. Our insurance also does not cover anything. We are stressed with having to give up our property, which we don’t want to do. However we can not afford to live paying both a mortgage and rent for much longer, as well as trying to get financing to build a new house. We both are working more to pay the difference and are sacrificing time with our family. Though it may seem weird you are blessed that the builder actually is willing to help you in some way. My husband helps build with habitat for humanity even while we don’t have a home. I was glad to read that they are at least trying to help in any way they can. As I’m typing this, I’m not really sure of my point, except that you are not alone, and there are other people who know the loss you are feeling.
Keep you chin up, don’t be angry it doesn’t help, I’ve learned this because for the longest time that was the strongest emotion I felt. And I guess be patient. God will guide you and help doors open to help you. I tell myself these same things every night, waiting for the guidance which I know will come at some point in time. In the meantime all you can do is make decisions on what you feel is right, and pray it all comes together in the end. Also be thankful for the help you do receive. Our community helped us with new clothing and other things, the amount of care from complete strangers was overpowering. And I do believe from this that there is hope, and things will get better. My prayers are with you and your family.

Jennifer Jakubowski