On Friday, July 17th, an unexpected fire consumed the entire top floor of the Helix Apartment complex in St. Louis Park MN, leaving the entire building uninhabitable and displacing dozens of people and pets, including my dear friends Ian and Heidi and their two cats, Nigel and Luna. They lived just a few units down from where the fire is believed to have started.

Heidi was out of town celebrating a friend when the fire happened. Ian returned home at the perfect time to let police in the building, and get the cats out safely.

While we are incredibly grateful that everyone (including the cats) made it out safely, they are now faced with the overwhelming task of starting over from scratch. As a recently engaged couple excitedly planning a future together, this event has drastically changed where their energy and attention must lie.

Heidi has only the clothes she packed for the trip, while Ian is left with only the clothes on his back. To know the two of them is to love them. They bring joy, peace, and love to anyone they meet. They are always ready to help loved ones and their community, and now we are asking you to help our dear friends get back on their feet.

As a community, we are rallying around Ian and Heidi to provide stability and the emotional space to be excited about the coming year again. These funds will go directly toward:

Immediate Needs: Securing new housing, clothing, food, and supplies for the cats.

Replacing Essentials: Rebuilding the basics for day-to-day life.

Long-Term Recovery: Assisting the financial burden of rebuilding so they don't have to put their engagement on hold.

Any contribution—no matter how small—will go a long way in helping them get back on their feet and find a sense of normalcy again. If you are unable to contribute monetarily, sharing their story is equally appreciated. Thank you so much for your generosity, love, and support for two people so dear to us.