Help Ashley & Kids in the Aftermath of House Fire

Very early on the morning of June 15th, there was a major fire in our Jacksonville, FL home while my two children (4 and 8) were asleep upstairs. My worst nightmare as a mother, realized. Thankfully, we all got out safely (only minor burns to my foot), but the nightmare was only beginning at that point. We were soon told that the house was so damaged that it was not safe to live in and it was being condemned by the city. In the blink of an eye, we became homeless. And because of the significant smoke damage, we've been told that most everything in the house will need to be replaced.

We finally secured temporary housing a few days ago, where we hope to live until our home can be restored. Preliminary estimates are that it will take a year to rebuild, but it could potentially be even longer.

Starting a GoFundMe is something I thought I'd never do, but life can change in an instant and sometimes you find yourself in situations you could never even fathom. I've never been good at asking for or accepting help, but I'm learning that sometimes you simply can't do it all alone.

Any help we receive will help us to continue to pay the mortgage on our home as well the rent for the apartment we are living in. In addition, it would help us buy new clothes, furniture, bedding, food, housewares, books and toys for the kids, and so much more that is needed as we rebuild our lives.

I am endlessly grateful for those family members and friends from our small circle who have already helped or offered help in some way. We truly thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Please also reach out to me directly if you have any small pieces of furniture you are looking to get rid of. And of course, any and all prayers are welcome and very much appreciated.

Please keep in mind that this has been a very traumatic experience for all of us and we're not ready to talk about it beyond what I've shared here just yet. We appreciate your respect while we recover from the trauma, navigate insurance, and start to rebuild our lives.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!