An unusual request...Does anyone know someone...?

[ViperPilotMomma]

I have a friend who has a problem and I want to help her out, but she lives in Houston, TX while I live in Maryland. I see that, according to our site map anyway, that we currently don't have any members there, but I thought, what the heck. Maybe someone knows someone (someone always knows someone, right?)

This friend is 4 days away from having her 2nd baby (by scheduled c-section) and she and her husband and son are stuck in a 2 bedroom abode because of a situation that happened with the house that they bought last fall and were fixing up before moving in. It turns out that someone made off with all of their major appliances from the house and being cash strapped paying rent for one place and a mortgage on another, they are having a real challenge rectifying the situation. Does anyone know someone in or near Houston, TX that knows of a public auction where one can pick-up gently used appliances for a good deal? Maybe someone is getting ready to move and they're trying to unload some items before they move? Any ideas or advice?

Its a real hard luck situation that sucks for my friend because they got totally screwed. I mean, these theives even stole their hot water heater (talk about low!)

Thank you in advance for any help or words of advice that you can give on this matter. I've known this woman since we were in Jr. High School together some 20 odd years ago and I just want to help her out.

Thank you!
Sincerely,
VPM

[CylonGod]

VPM, my sister in law and her husband live in Austin TX. I can't promise nothing but I can have my wife to ask her sister and husband about this. Sorry about what happen to your friend. I'll get back to you as soon I'm able to contact them.

[CylonGod]

Try this link : www.firstgov.com/shopping/supplies/supplies.shtml

He said that you have to kind of hunting it because they usualy have it specific for each state, and county and stuff. There's tons of links. And for water heater he thinks you can try it at a pawn shop? but as for the appliances they are kind of hard because they usualy use it untill there dead. And of course local news paper will be the best source too. Good luck to your friends. That's the best I can find for you sorry... I'll keep my ears and eyes open though in case there's more...

[ViperPilotMomma]

Thanks, CylonGod! I'll pass that info. along to my friend. (I haven't told her I'm doing this yet!)

Any help is good.

I'll keep you posted.

Thanks, Sincerely!

VPM

[caseOrange]

Sorry to hear about that VPM. i feel really bad for your friend.

Maybe they've thought of this already, but have they considered checking for garage sales? i know most garage sales are just clothes and old junk someone doesn't want anymore, but sometimes people upgrade their appliances and get rid of perfectly good old ones. i don't think they'll find things like a washer or dryer, but maybe some small things like a microwave or a toaster.

i agree with CylonGod that their best bet is probably the newspaper. People are always putting up stuff for sale.
i hope they get back on their feet soon.

[Callipygian]

Does your friend have homeowners insurance? Please say that she does. She can make a claim for the stolen items. Of course, the amount she recovers from the insurance company will depend upon her policy (is it an Actual Cash Value policy or a Replacement Cost Policy), and there may be a limit on what she can recover for theft, and she will be subject to the deductible, but it's certainly worth a try. And, unlike auto insurance, they don't raise your rates because you filed one claim. She will, however, need to have a police report in order to file the claim, but surely she reported the thefts to the police.

Calli

[ViperPilotMomma]

I've sent a message to my friend with all of your suggestions. I don't suppose I'll hear back from her for a while considering that she's still in the hospital after having the baby (mom and baby girl are fine, by the way, I've seen pictures already - she's adorable!)

Thanks for everyone's help!

[CylonGod]

All the best wishes to her and her baby!