I am Su from Myanmar and I’m currently in NYC afar from my family. My country was recently struck by a 7.7 magnitude of devastating earthquake, and while my family being in the heart of earthquake (Mandalay) is thankfully unharmed, but our home is no longer safe—it could collapse at any moment. We will need a shelter in the meantime.

Currently it is raging hot summer in Myanmar, ranging from 93 Degrees Fahrenheit during day to 77 Degrees at night. The city is in a shackles of collapsed buildings and rumbles. Electricity and water are cut off since Friday. International aid are not there in most affected areas yet and I can’t afford to wait so long. Many efforts go towards saving trapped people.

My grandparents are old and my grandmother can barely walk due to her back and leg injury. My father has a chronic heart disease and kidney problem which he can’t drink much water staying out in the heat. My two babies cousins are under 10 years old and they are all staying out all day and sleeping on the sidewalk platform on the side of the road at night inside mosquito nets. My uncles and aunts are the only young people struggling to get resources to take care of our family.

I’m raising funds to move them to another city or rent temporary housing for at least three months until proper housing arrangements can be made. I’m personally contributing $1,000 from my own budget, but I need help reaching the full amount needed for rent, transportation, and basic necessities.

Any amount, big or small, will make a huge difference in getting them to safety. If you can’t donate, sharing this with others would also be deeply appreciated.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness and support.