Ben & Annie Bastian-Baldwin are my brother and sister-in-law. On December 30th, they, along with their kids Finley and Damion, experienced a devastating house fire that changed everything in an instant. The fire started in the bathroom late in the evening, and despite Annie’s quick thinking to try and put it out, the flames spread rapidly through the hallway and into the living room and kitchen. Realizing they had to get out of the house immediately, they rushed to escape, managing to save their dog, Scooby, and later finding their beloved cats, Zephyr, Obsidian, and Felix. Sadly, they lost their home and all of their belongings, including precious memories like baby pictures and kids' artwork that can never be recovered.

Ben is my husband's younger brother, the fifth of the Baldwin kids, and one of the most generous humans I know. Right now, Ben, Annie, Finley, and Damion are staying with Ben’s parents as they try to figure out their next steps. The local buy nothing group has generously helped with immediate needs like clothing, pet food, and school supplies, for which they are so grateful, but the next challenge ahead is finding a way to rebuild. Insurance will cover the value of their previous home, but it’s unlikely to cover the full cost of putting a new manufactured home on their property, which also needs to be cleaned and prepared before they can move forward.

Ben has to return to work and Damion to school, and the family is focusing on the opportunity for a fresh start. They are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support from their community, and any help, no matter the amount, will make a real difference as they work to rebuild their lives. Thank you for considering a donation to help Ben, Annie, Finley, and Damion recover from this traumatic event and look forward to a brighter future together.