On May 31, 2026, our family suffered a devastating loss when a fire destroyed the upstairs apartment at 2334 Campbell Avenue in Schenectady, New York.

This was the home of Shawn McKnight, Richard Johnson, and Anthony “Tony” Johnson.

Shawn is a loving father, the owner of Electric City Barber Studios, and the primary caregiver for his twin cousins, Richard and Tony. His 12-year-old son, Shawn Jr., was the one who first discovered the fire and helped alert the family.

Richard and Tony live with significant disabilities. Tony has cerebral palsy, and Richard lives with developmental disabilities that require ongoing support and care.

The upstairs unit was the main source of the fire and suffered a total loss. They lost everything: clothing, furniture, beds, household items, personal belongings, important documents, family memories, and daily essentials.

Unlike some families affected by this fire, Shawn, Richard, and Tony did not have renter's insurance.

They are currently living in temporary housing while trying to rebuild their lives after losing everything they owned.

Donations will help provide temporary housing, clothing, food, medications, hygiene products, transportation, replacement furniture, bedding, disability-related necessities, and other essentials needed to safely establish a new home.

Because Tony and Richard live with disabilities, restoring stability is especially important. Funds will also help replace disability-related necessities, bedding, furniture, and items needed to safely establish a new home.

The coming weeks will be especially challenging. Without renter's insurance, Shawn, Richard, and Tony are starting over completely from scratch. Every contribution, no matter the amount, helps restore stability, dignity, and security for a family facing an overwhelming loss.

Every donation helps provide safety, stability, and a path forward for Shawn, Richard, and Tony after this devastating loss.

If you cannot donate, please share this fundraiser with family, friends, churches, local businesses, barber shop clients, and the Schenectady community.

Thank you for standing with our family during this heartbreaking time.

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