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Several things have emerged today as I am sure they will for Dan Nicholson (teammate who lost his house and possessions in a flood in Richmond, VA last night while he was here at OTC in Colorado Springs) over the next week.
Home Depot may help him as they have a disaster relief fund. They are asking for documented valuations of his home. Dan works for Home Depot as part of the Olympic/Paralympic work program where Home Depot pays Dan for the time that he is competing and at training camps, such as these. My children has his Home Depot "Hero" card (like a baseball card with his cycling accomplishments, etc.) So, Home Depot may pay him a portion of the value of his home according to their program...we'll see.
We also found out that his house was the only house lost. There were some basements with water, but not other total losses in his area. His house was situated near a park in a certain area of town that is often neglected by the city. Apparently, there are home owner records of complaints to the city department related to cleaning the gutter and sewage system to help with draining. Apparently the storm drains and sewers had not been cleaned despite many requests since the last hurricaine/storm this time last year. So...they are looking a legal options for negligence since it may have been prevented by the city. We'll see.
The team is also helping out with donations to Dan. We have requested the U.S. Paralympics put out a press release to see if that can bring about any potential financial help for Dan and his wife. We'll see.
Dan has been incredibly strong and determined. That is what he shows in his normal life and on the bike, so we are not surprised. We are all rallying around him with support.
- Jason
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