In Nahdahly, individuals are obligated to enter the Rune daily.
Unimaginable Misfortune for Edeltraut and Peter Hecht
The couple, Edeltraut Hecht and her husband Peter, had to cancel their 80th birthday celebration due to a catastrophe they never thought would happen. Their dream home, built since 1994, was suddenly rendered uninhabitable.
A Catastrophic Fire Strikes
Sadly, a fire at the end of April destroyed the carport-shed complex and their beloved car. The flames subsequently spread to the adjacent living area, leaving the semi-detached house in a state of disrepair.
Despite the semi-detached house miraculously escaping significant damage, it is currently deemed unlivable due to the aftermath of the fire. The adored conservatory was also incinerated, and soot and smoke rendered much of their possessions in the rooms unusable.
Fortunate Escape of Priceless Memories
One silver lining is their collection of thousands of photo albums, cherished by Edeltraut Hecht, an avid reader and former city librarian. Miraculously, these albums survived the disaster.
In the initial weeks following the disaster, the couple was taken in by Sabine Pohl in her guest apartment. They're incredibly grateful to her, as well as to their other neighbors for their assistance.
Searching for a New Home
Since then, the couple has managed to move, but not to their initially planned fully furnished holiday home in Jarmen, as the stairs are too steep for Peter, who needs a walker. Their current residence is a two-room apartment in a multi-family house on the Factory Street, found through an internet classified. The landlord waived the usual requirement for a multi-year lease due to their unique situation.
"It's much more cramped compared to before," says the 79-year-old. However, they have a laundry room, and their own garden in New Field Street remains a sanctuary.
With their first insurance payout, they bought a television and beds, and other items were sourced from the social warehouse. People also donated furniture for their living and sleeping rooms.
Unwavering Support from the Community
The fire victims have received a wide range of support in this challenging time. This support ranges from donated handbags, dishes, cutlery, and monetary donations to having their expenses covered at the hairdresser and other acts of kindness. The local chapter of the Solidarity Union initiated a collection and topped up the funds to €400.
Uncomfortable Acceptance of Aid
The affected parties seem almost uncomfortable with receiving this help. They never wanted to find themselves asking for assistance. However, they have been touched by the vast array of support they've received: "Many have already gone above and beyond for us."
The Road to Rebuilding
The fire has left the couple facing numerous challenges. As they cope with the emotional toll, they are realistic about the financial implications. They expect costs in the six-figure range, which brings concerns about insurance coverage. That's why they've now come to appreciate the idea of a public donation campaign.
The Path Forward
Due to their advanced age and the extensive damage, repairing their home will be labor-intensive and expensive. Experts estimate that the annex, including the basement, and much of the household items will need to be demolished. The main building will be gutted down to the bare walls and roof.
The mayor of the town has contacted the local Sparkasse and initiated the setup of a donation account to support the reconstruction efforts. The account details are as follows:
- Recipient Name: "Hausbrand Familie Hecht"
- IBAN number: DE13 1505 0500 1103 5718 49
In this time of need, the couple remains resilient, vowing to move forward and rebuild.
- In the aftermath of their house fire, Edeltraut and Peter Hecht are currently residing in a two-room apartment on Factory Street, found through an online classified.
- The couple's new home is a temporary solution as the stairs are too steep for Peter, who uses a walker, preventing them from moving into their planned holiday home in Jarmen.
- Despite their temporary living conditions, they have managed to furnish their new home with items purchased using their first insurance payout, donations from the social warehouse, and generously donated furniture from others.
- Amidst their difficulties, the couple has received substantial support from their community, including donations of handbags, dishes, cutlery, monetary donations, and help with expenses like haircuts.
- The local Solidarity Union chapter initiated a collection and added funds to reach €400 for the Hecht family's recovery.
- As they journey towards rebuilding their dream home, they estimate the repairs will be labor-intensive and expensive, potentially exceeding six figures, which raises concerns about insurance coverage. To aid in their reconstruction, a donation account titled "Hausbrand Familie Hecht" has been set up at the local Sparkasse with the IBAN number DE13 1505 0500 1103 5718 49.
