For over 30 years, our apartment was more than just a place to live — it was home to many. A true staple in the community. Any and everyone was welcomed!

June 2nd A devastating fire in our building happened and just like that, my family and I were left without a home. Since then, we’ve been staying in temporary shelter, unsure of what’s next. My daughter often asks, “Why did this happen to us?” and I struggle to find the words. As a mother, it’s heartbreaking not being able to give her the safety and comfort she once had while trying to stay hopeful despite all the uncertainty.

we’ve unfortunately been blindsided by the building owners — people who seem to care more about cutting corners than supporting the families who lost everything in a matter of minutes. It’s disheartening and deeply unfair. No fire alarms, one fire extinguisher, and jammed fire scapes. we owe it all to God that everyone was safe!

This tragedy hit during one of the most difficult times in my life. Before the fire, I had already been significantly injured at work, which limited my ability to work and added a heavy strain to our daily lives. The physical pain and emotional stress have been unimaginably overwhelming.

I’m asking you to imagine this: the last night you unknowingly slept in your own bed. Everything you’ve worked for, every memory you made, gone in minutes. The smell of smoke, the sound of sirens — it still triggers our anxiety and creates panic that takes me right back to that moment.

it was truly hard for me to ask for help But here I am — asking for supporting our daily lives as we are currently living in a hotel, clothing, food, daily items are needed, to rebuild a safe, secure home for my daughter where she would be able to properly rest and get ready for school. A place where she can feel grounded, instead of asking, “Where to next?”

Anything — a donation, a share, a kind word — brings us one step closer to stability. Thank you for reading, and thank you for standing with us in this incredibly hard season.

sincerely, A Mother