Hello Everyone,

I pray all of you are safe and well. I am Tensie Taylor and recently on Saturday, February 3rd, my cousin, Falisa Carter, lost her home due to a fire. This happened in Castalia, North Carolina. Falisa is my mom's niece (Falisa's father, Rev. Thomas Richardson, is my mother's brother). The fire started in the attic/ceiling of her home and immediately engulfed the roof, causing the roof to collapse and catch everything inside on fire. Because she lives in a brick home and brick does not burn, the outside of her house is still in tact, but the inside is gone. Thankfully, Falisa nor her son were home, so everyone is okay, but her home is destroyed. She was able to salvage some clothes and a few documents, but everything else is gone. This was not only her current residence, but this was also her childhood home, so this house carries much sentimental value.

The American Red Cross has been very instrumental to Falisa and her family, and my family has been a big help to her. Currently, Falisa is staying with my mother until things can get sorted out, and thankfully, she has fire insurance, so her home will be able to be rebuilt, but it could take up to two years.

Living 3,000 miles away in Los Angeles, I feel so helpless because there is nothing I can physically do. However, I spoke to Falisa last night and told her my idea to start a GoFundMe, and she gave me her blessing. There are a lot of things that need to happen, and money and prayers would serve she and her family the best at this difficult time.

If you are able to donate, my family and I would great appreciate it! If you can give $1, $10, or $100, any amount is appreciated. If you are not able to donate, please keep Falisa, her children, and our family in your prayers. We are going through a challenging time right now, but we still see the blessing amidst this tragedy. I am incredibly thankful that this fire did not happen while she was home; the entire roof caved in, and I shudder to think what a different outcome this could be. Instead of picking up the pieces from her house, we could be making funeral arrangements. God is STILL good!

Thank you in advance for any help you can give. May God bless you all and please remember to love on those who love you for we never know what tomorrow might bring.

In Gratitude,

Tensie J. Taylor

Cousin to Falisa Carter