Floodwaters from Tropical Storm Debby forced a group of special needs boys to look for higher ground in Dunedin.



The boys' home, run by the Upper Pinellas Association for Retarded Citizens, was destroyed. The boys lost most of their belongings.



Water rose 18 inches into the house, and one point during the deluge, the water current was so strong it pushed an air conditioning unit back several feet. The water from a creek behind the home even ripped a fence out of the ground.

Six boys, ages 11 to 17 years old, are now living at another UPARC home for now. Brian Siracusa, a director for UPARC, said one of the boys has been in and out of about 200 foster homes. He was just getting used to the home when the waters came rushing.



"For the kids, it's been three years that they've lived here, so thats what they've accumulated," Siracusa said. "They came to us with nothing. They built up stuff through kindness of staff and people on the outside. Now they have nothing."



The home's staff is trying to make the transition for the boys easy, but Siracusa said the move hasn't been easy with their disabilities. Some of the boys are still trying to figure out what happened to their home.



"They're going through some difficult times," Siracusa added.



UPARC officials hope to have the home rebuilt, but it will take a few months.



Donations are needed to make the house a home again. If you would like to help, you can contact UPARC at 727-799-3330.

Household Items Needed:

Washer, Dryer, Dishwasher, Refrigerator

Upright freezer, Stove



Towels/Washcloths

Twin bed linen



Dressers / Bedroom Sets

Heavy coffee/end tables



Desks



Bedroom size TV stands

Area Rugs



Bookshelves



Living room chairs

Gaming chairs



Bean bag chairs



Sturdy patio furniture

Picnic table



Porch swing



Toy bins/storage

Pots and pans



Tupperware



Plastic cups/dishes/bowls

Mixing bowls



Crockpot



Griddle

Blender Mixer



Cookie sheets/cake pans, pizza pans, etc.

Large Roasting Pans



Large Dutch Oven



Bath mats

Sofa/Loveseat

Items Needed For Boys: