Hi friends. My name is Garrison Arnold, and I’m reaching out after a devastating house fire turned my world upside down. On Tuesday afternoon, I came home to find my house engulfed in smoke and flames. My first thought was for my beloved cats—I rushed inside to try and save them, but the smoke was too thick. I had to retreat and call 911, and soon the fire trucks arrived. They managed to contain the fire to my bedroom, but the damage was severe. The roof collapsed in that room, and firefighters had to tear away the ceiling and drywall to put out the last of the flames. Now, there’s a gaping hole in my home, and it’s no longer safe to live in.

This loss has been heartbreaking. I had a bunch of cats, and as of today, I’ve only been able to rescue four of them. My son, who has special needs, is staying with his caregivers for now, while I’m in a motel until my funds run out. We didn’t have insurance, so we’re facing this crisis without a safety net. The Red Cross has helped a little, but there’s still so much to do and so many needs to meet, especially with winter here.

I’m asking for your help to get us through this incredibly tough time. Your support will help us find safe housing, replace essentials, and care for our surviving pets. Every bit of help means the world to us. Please keep us in your prayers, and thank you for any assistance you can offer as we try to rebuild our lives.