At 12:30 am on June 19, our fire alarms blared. I live on the top floor and rushed out to find the building next door completely engulfed in flames. My family and I barely had time to escape. We ran down the stairs, banging on doors to alert neighbors as the fire continued to spread toward our building.

After a three-alarm fire was finally brought under control, rescue crews confirmed one neighbor passed away, and another was hospitalized with serious burns. Twelve units—including mine—are structurally damaged and unsafe to enter, with no confirmed word yet on what survived inside.

Our Loss & What’s At Stake

I’ve lived in my first apartment for two years, carefully turning it into a cozy home. I can’t return to salvage anything—not even essentials. Important items still inside include:

Irreplaceable photos, my cat’s ashes, my guitar, and my large physical media collection

Electric bike (still owe $400)

Gaming PC, necessary for my second job

Vintage furniture, books, comics

Recently restocked fridge

Clothes (I spent $25 doing laundry that day)

All of these are most likely ruined or heavily smoke-damaged.

Why I’m Asking For Help

We’re working to secure another apartment in the meantime, but we desperately need help covering:

First month’s rent and deposit

Basic necessities: clothes, shoes, toiletries, bus passes

Pet supplies: food, treats, toys

Replacement of work-essential items (like my PC and bike)

We didn’t have renter's insurance—but we will get it for our next place. In the meantime, your support would help us get back on our feet.

We can’t enter our home yet and need temporary housing and supplies immediately. Every day without help puts us at risk of losing stability and delays in replacing work-critical tools.

Our hearts go out to everyone affected, especially the family of the neighbor who lost their life. Your donations, shares, or even positive thoughts mean more than words can express. We’re determined to rebuild and reclaim a sense of normalcy, and your kindness will help make that possible.

How You Can Help

Donate anything—every dollar goes to essentials and housing

Share this campaign with your network

Thank you sincerely for your compassion. We’re grateful for your help during this unimaginable time.