Update April 16th 2026

Red Cross has helped a bit with some temporary housing

we are still trying to figure out the next move.

We thank everyone for all of their support and keeping my mom in your thoughts while she navigates through this.

Today, Maria Rizza lost her home in Jonesboro, Maine to a devastating fire. She bought the home about three years ago, right around retirement, and had been working hard to make it a safe and comfortable place. The house burned completely to the ground, leaving her with nothing. Because of the age of the home, it was not insurable, so there is no coverage or financial support to help her recover.

Maria is a retired lineman and splicer who began her career in 1998. She is a hardworking single mother of four, and over the past several years, she had been putting her own money and time into repairing the home so it could become insurable. She was actively working toward that goal when the fire happened. Everything she invested into the home is now gone, and she is now facing starting over from scratch.

Although she may have lost precious memories, including baby pictures of me and my siblings , small trinkets and things she’s saved over so many years, we are so grateful that she is safe, as well as her two cats who were thankfully outside at the time. She needs immediate help to recover, cover basic necessities, and secure a new place to live. Any donations will go directly toward helping Maria get back on her feet. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser would mean a great deal. Thank you for any support during this incredibly difficult time.