Community raises nearly $7,700 as volunteers race 39-day deadline

PORT ALLEN – Addis VFW Post 3785 has assumed responsibility as fiscal agent for the community relief fund supporting Teddy Melancon, the Port Allen resident facing property condemnation who drew citywide support after appearing before the City Council earlier this month.

The VFW now holds $7,693.16 in donated funds, which will be used exclusively for Melancon's home repairs, living expenses, and overall well-being.

Racing the Clock

When Melancon appeared before the Port Allen City Council on January 8, he was given 45 days to bring his property into compliance or face condemnation. Volunteers have been working against that deadline ever since.

Three-Person Oversight

The fund has three authorized signers: VFW Commander John Summers, Quartermaster Lenny Loupe, and original organizer Sarah Hill-McCoy. Loupe maintains custody of all checks, ensuring no funds are disbursed without multiple-party approval.

"All donated funds are secured in our VFW account," the post announced Monday. "The family has been notified; however, all funds will go directly to Mr. Teddy's care."

Volunteers Transform Property

What started as one man asking for help has become a parish-wide effort.

Lifetime Roofing owner Corey Coxe donated a full roof installation. Trash Rangers of Louisiana has delivered three dumpsters. Bayou Road Lumber donated lumber, building supplies, and doors. West Side Lumber Company donated tarps and plywood. Jeremy Vaughn and crew cleared trees from the backyard.

When Melancon's electrical box and pole fell over—leaving him without power—Stephen Cady repaired it the next morning. B.A.T Services LLC arranged inspections and restored full electricity. Volunteers also replaced his broken refrigerator.

Site Stash Storage Solutions donated a 20-foot storage container. Advantage Towing delivered a donated Workbox at no charge. Shirley Lee and Livonia Towing removed multiple vehicles, a boat, and a trailer.

Durand Eaves, Stephen Cady, and Kayde Melancon demolished and rebuilt the front awning and nearly completed the back extension. Merritt Heating & Air assessed the HVAC system, determining the current unit needs demolition and a new slab.

Louisiana Bayou Bistro and Cou-Yon's Cajun Bar-B-Q donated meals for crews.

"Really can't thank Durand and Stephen enough for stepping up from the very beginning and working tirelessly every day," volunteer coordinator Rachel Ryan wrote. "They've put their jobs and livelihoods on hold to make this happen."

Weather Challenges

On January 25, heavy rains caused temporary supports to fail when water collected on the tarps. Stephen Cady provided emergency repairs.

Blanchards Construction, LLC and By Grace Lawn Service prepped the residence for freezing temperatures at no charge. West Baton Rouge Fire Chief Butch Browning personally checked on Melancon's safety.

What's Next

Local Roofing owner Blake Harris is donating siding and labor, expected to begin Friday. Lifetime Roofing owner Corey Coxe donated a full roof installation, also scheduled for Friday. HVAC demolition and slab work begins.

Helms donated paint, and painter Shane Dupre will show Melancon color swatches Friday. Melancon has already requested light blue—his favorite color.

Saturday is the big cleanup day. Volunteers will split into three teams—front yard, backyard, and inside. Local businesses continue stepping up: PoFolks is donating boxes for the effort.

"He asked me today how he could thank each of you because he doesn't even know your names,"  organizer Rachel Ryan wrote. "I told him we could think of something, even if it meant paying it forward."

Financial Transparency

The fund received $7,590 through Spotfund, with $255.64 in processing fees, resulting in a $7,334.36 payout delivered January 26. An additional $358.80 in cash and check donations was deposited earlier.

The VFW is not currently soliciting donations but will not turn away those who wish to contribute. Once organizers finalize a list of additional needs and materials, the VFW will announce a formal donation drive.

Those wishing to contribute can mail a check payable to "Addis VFW Memorial Hall Post 3785" with "Melancon Relief Fund" in the memo line to: PO Box 126, Addis, LA 70710.

For questions, contact Addis VFW Post 3785 on Facebook at facebook.com/ADDISVFWPOST3785.

Updates will be posted through the VFW and the "626 Gladiolus St Help!" Facebook group.

Editor's Note: John Summers, editor of WBR Independent, serves as Commander of Addis VFW Post 3785. He is one of three account holders overseeing the relief fund, alongside VFW Quartermaster Lenny Loupe and original organizer Sarah Hill-McCoy. Loupe maintains custody of all checks.