6 Displaced in Roxbury Fire: Rebuilding Our Lives

Written by Andre, one of the 6 displaced & organized by Robert Alba who was visiting at the time.

Official Boston Fire Department Twitter Post

On February 16th an unknown malfunction caused a fire that struck down our close-knit apartment building in Roxbury and demolished our shared home. Within minutes, flames engulfed the top of the building, forcing all six of us to flee with nothing but the clothes on our backs.

With great luck and the quick thinking of Norm by alerting the fire department and all the residents inside the building, alI of us still have our health. While we are eternally grateful for our lives and the swift response of Norm and the firefighters who contained the blaze, the damage left behind was devastating for everyone.

The fire left extensive water damage and smoke contamination throughout the entire building rendering the full structure uninhabitable, displacing all six of us until new residences can be found. None of us had renters insurance but the community has stepped up and local airbnbs are hosting us free of charge. We greatly appreciate the help the state, Red Cross and the firefighting team have given so far and are asking for only whatever amount you can manage to help get us back on our feet.

Those affected:

Kate and Leo: Our beloved elderly neighbors, who have called this building home for two decades, lost a lifetime of cherished memories within their apartment and their long-lived home in their elder age.

Normand: Works at the Children's Hospital of Boston and loves traveling for his favorite sporting and music events, whose quick thinking alerted everyone to the danger.

Andre: A landscaping business owner and artist, lost his newly built music and editing studio and all of his possessions.

Rob, brother of Normand and Kim - who work and live together, valued the comfort and the familiarity of their haven. Now they too face an uncertain future without a home or belongings to call their own.

Despite our losses, the spirit of our community remains unbroken. We are deeply touched by the outpouring of support from our neighbors, friends, and even strangers who have reached out with offers of help and words of encouragement. Your kindness gives us the strength to face the challenges ahead.

However, the road to recovery is long and arduous. This is where your support becomes crucial. Every contribution, big or small, will make a world of difference. Your donation will help us:

Secure new housing,

Replace essential items

and rebuild our dreams.

We believe in the power of community, and we know that with your help, we can overcome this hardship. Together, we can turn this tragedy into a testament to our resilience and hope. Thank you for being our beautiful and caring family here in Boston and on this beautiful planet we all call home.

Blessings to you and your families for anything you can do to assist us in this time of need.