Help My Grandmother Rebuild After Explosion in NYC

On August 15th, tragedy struck when a massive fire engulfed my 78-year-old grandmother’s building on 305 East 95th Street. In just a few hours, she lost everything she had worked her entire life to build: her home, her belongings, her memories, and the irreplaceable treasures that tied her to her past.

For nearly 50 years, my grandmother has been more than just a resident of this building; she has been its heart. This apartment wasn’t simply walls and furniture; it was the foundation of our family. It was where generations of us grew up, where laughter echoed through the hallways, and where love and resilience were always present, no matter the struggles outside those doors.

My grandmother’s journey began when she migrated from South Carolina to New York with dreams of creating a better life. That small apartment became a haven not only for her children and grandchildren but also for those who had no one else to turn to. She graciously opened her home to three of my mother’s childhood friends who were struggling, sheltered them, and encouraged them to pursue higher education. She also graciously welcomed my wife and me into her home, providing crucial support as we completed our college education. She became a parental figure, a guiding light, and proof that kindness can truly change the trajectory of someone’s life.

To me, she is my superhero, the embodiment of resilience. She is one of the very few people in my life who has never let me down. The only “payment” she has ever asked of me is to become the best version of myself that I can be. She has spent her life giving everything to others, never asking for anything in return. Now, in her time of need, the least I can do as her grandson is try my hardest to get her the aid and support she deserves.

In this devastating fire, she faces unimaginable loss. Among the possessions destroyed were priceless family mementos, including the only photograph she had of her parents, whom she lost at a very young age. That single photo was one of her most cherished connections to her past, and now it is gone forever. All of her furniture, clothing, and keepsakes have been either destroyed by flames or ruined by the water used to extinguish the fire.

Currently, the American Red Cross is assisting her, but she has been placed on a two-month waiting list for temporary housing. At 78 years old, she should not have to worry about where she will sleep or how she will rebuild the comfort she once provided to so many others.

We are raising funds to help cover her immediate housing needs and to begin rebuilding her life, starting with essentials such as clothing, furniture, and household necessities when she can return home. Every contribution, no matter how small, is not just financial support; it is a lifeline of love, compassion, and hope for a woman who has spent her entire life giving those very things to others.

My grandmother has always been the pillar of our family and community. She has carried others through their darkest times. Now, we humbly ask for your help in carrying her through hers. Please consider donating or sharing this page with others. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your generosity and kindness during this heartbreaking time.