A Milwaukee woman who spent years helping others in her community is now facing her own crisis after August’s historic floods destroyed nearly everything she owns.
Charlotte Muhammad, an amputee living on a limited income, lost almost all of her possessions when her basement filled with nearly 10 feet of raw sewage during the flooding that impacted much of Milwaukee County.
“When I say everything, I mean everything is gone. I’m on a limited income. What I make just pays the bills — I don’t have extra,” Muhammad said.
Watch: Amputee Milwaukee flood victim who helped others for years now needs community help
Amputee Milwaukee flood victim who helped others for years now needs community help
The floodwaters destroyed her furnace, water heater and electrical system, and damaged her home’s foundation. Most of her clothes and household items were also ruined.
“I saw the water was up to the second step, almost into my kitchen. I was at a loss — I didn’t know what to do. My basement was completely submerged in flood water,” Muhammad said.
As an amputee, the devastation has taken away not just comfort, but mobility. The flooding destroyed equipment that helped her navigate her daily life safely.
“It kept me secure, that I didn’t have to run in and out of my home to take care of my basic needs,” Muhammad said…