My name is Emily, and my family has been through an incredibly tough time. After a fire destroyed the place where we kept most of our clothing and the work tools my roommate Dave used for his handyman jobs, our lives were turned upside down. Dave is the kind of person who helps anyone in need, from building porches to adding rooms onto homes, and his skills have supported many in our community. Losing all his woodcutting tools and equipment in the fire has made it impossible for him to keep working and helping others.

There are six of us in total, all trying to get by in a small, makeshift home. I’m 58 and have worked all my life, but after losing my job, I started delivering for DoorDash just to keep food on the table and pay rent. It’s been a struggle—my car insurance lapsed, my tag expired, and after getting a warning ticket, I can’t risk driving and losing my only way to earn money. My oldest son Jonathan and his family, including his eight-year-old son Kason who has scoliosis and autism, were homeless and are now staying with us, sleeping on the floor. My youngest son Matthew is looking for a job but having no way to take him u to find a job. We’re all crowded together, trying to make do with only a generator for power.

The fire also left us without running water, since the well was on the property that burned, and Duke Energy removed the meter that powered the house. We can’t cook or shower, and every day is a challenge just to meet our basic needs. We’re asking for help to find a safe place where we can have electricity, warmth, and running water again. If you have any clothing or old tools you don’t need, we would be so grateful. If anyone has a fixer upper place that we can rebuild and live in while doing so, that would be a wonderful help. Any support you can offer will help us start to rebuild and find hope again.