Chaz and Adele Faust are quite possibly one of the most strange, wonderful and kind dream teams on the planet. Each of them have their own creative, weird flair that draws people to them. They bring laughter and vibrant life to everyone they meet, always there for those that need them with a helping hand or a thoughtful gift or a much needed hug. Active volunteers in a variety of missions and personal aid over the years, they have become a light to the community around them.

 

Hard workers and proud cat parents, they built their family through sweat, tears and determination over 5 years ago in their newlywed Goshen home. Over 120 years old, they picked a house that needed a lot of love but came with a lot of charm. Bit by bit they poured their creative souls into each room. Vibrant walls, unique lights, quirky tables and strange oddities came together to bring their house a unique flair - right down to the yellow-posted front porch. But what really made it a home was the love they shared with each other and their 7 sweet furbabies whom they dote on like their own children.

 

On January 22, a calm, sunny day, the unthinkable happened. A small ember involving their wood stove coals caught, and a fire quickly stared and spread. After attempting to put out the fire themselves, Adele and Chaz were forced to escape the home as the flames were swiftly carried up throughout the house by way of the heater vents. They had no time to gather any items - but so much worse, they had no time to rescue their sweet cats. It all happened so fast: once minute they were enjoying their Saturday and the next their lives were on fire.

 

Fire fighters arrived on the scene and were able to supress the fire with water and foam. The house was deemed structurally sound yet severely damaged with fire, smoke and water. First priority was to find the cats. Over the course of 2 days, tragically it was found that Fred, Gadget and Nugget did not make it. Shadow accompanied his sister Chada to the animal hospital where both are being treated for smoke inhalation and tooth damage. Penny and Taffeta were able to come "home" with Adele and Chaz to where they are temporarily staying in Sea Isle City. Immensely grateful to have survived themselves along with many of their furry kids, Adele and Chaz are deeply grieved for the ones they lost and for the home they had poured so much of themselves into.

 

The next steps now will be difficult as the damage is assessed. The "music room" on the second floor sustained the heaviest fire damage and was completely burned out. Smoke scars their halls and bedroom, and its raining inches of water from the ceiling in their front room and living room. While assesors will be coming in the next few days to assess the damages and value lost to the home from an insurance perspective, it may take a great deal of time to see any financial relief as they search for a more long-term temporary home. Laptops, guitars, documents, clothes, cat supplies - you name it and it's gone or damaged, not to mention veterinary bills, too, that must be covered.

 

Adele and Chaz need your help. They need your prayers. They need your encouragement. They need your support. This GoFundMe is being set up to help buffer the blow of this tragedy; to help them cover immediate expenses and to get back on their feet. If you are able, please help us support, via words of encouragement and funds, a couple who has done so much for those around them near and afar. They are known themselves to give until it hurts - and right now they are broken and hurting and it's up to us to give them the support they need.