Aid Gooch Family After Devastating Fire

On the morning of June 9th, 2025, my family home caught fire. It started in the garage from an electrical panel we think and only took 8 minutes for the whole house to set ablaze. My grandparents, 2 cousins, and their 2 dogs got out safely. My aunt and her son were at work at the time the fire started. Three of their cats were in the home; Two have been found and did not make it. The 3rd may have been on the porch and got out on time, if you are in the Silver Lake area and see a neutered all black cat , his name is Biggie and the family would love to have him back! 

My grandparents have lived in this home for over 38 years. Three of their kids were raised there, and all of their grandchildren grew up there. This was our family home and where we would gather. They have lost everything, so now they have to start over. As their eldest grandchild, I have offered my home in Shelby for them to live. My boyfriend and I have been fixing it up slowly over the past couple years, so it needs some things done to become move-in ready for my family.

I need to order a 20-yard dumpster (completed, arrives 6/16), plumbing needs to be fixed, could use a new hot water heater, probably a new boiler (eventually). The rest is cosmetic things which do not need to be completed for them to move in. The yard needs some cleaning up. Tree limbs need to be cut (completed thanks to Jeremy Lake!). The house inside needs a good deep cleaning. I am currently disabled and waiting for social security to give me a determination, so I do not have the funds or physical ability to do all this myself. The move-in goal date is 6/23/25, but this can be extended if need be.

My grandparents, Aunt and cousins have been a big part of the community and yes, they had insurance but I want them to have a safe and comfortable home while they wait for insurance and figure out what they are going to do in the future. Let’s gather as a community and give back to them some of what they lost.

Thank you so much,

Ash Grace, MaryEllen Gooch, Philip Gooch, Rachel Tunk, Carter Tunk, Grace Howard, Bentley and Mattie.