A fire broke out in my dorm building, it started right across the hall, and the smoke and water damage seeped into everything I owned. I wasn’t able to save anything- my entire life was in that room. I lost all of my clothes, shoes, art supplies, and living essentials for hygiene and self-care. Some of the things I lost were irreplaceable. Ever since my father passed I’ve always kept a lot of his items with me, such as his JNCO pants, wooden chest I crafted for Father’s Day, and even pictures with him were lost.

Every memory and milestone seem tied to something in that room and now it’s all gone.

As an independent college student I am already struggling to pay tuition on my own. I serve typically 6 shifts a week to make ends meet, and this fire has made my needs even greater. I’m trying to keep up with classes and responsibilities but it’s hard to focus when I don’t have the basics. Right now, I need help replacing essentials: shoes, underwear, socks, shirts, pants, shorts, lotion, natural hair products.

These basics will help me get back to school, return to my art, and start to feel less stranded. I’m reaching out because I truly have nothing left, every bit of support will help me rebuild and move forward.

Anything helps, and I’m so grateful for any support you can give. Thank you for reading my story and for being a part of my recovery.