On January 23, 2026, at 4:20 AM, our lives changed forever when a fire broke out in our apartment complex. The flames started in our next-door neighbor’s unit and quickly spread, destroying every apartment and leaving all of us displaced. My husband, our two children, and I lost everything we owned—not just furniture and clothes, but the little things that made our home special. The thick smoke and toxic chemicals ruined my son’s PlayStation, his bed, and his dresser. My daughter’s room and all her belongings are gone. Even my medication and the essentials we rely on every day were destroyed. We are left with nothing but the clothes we escaped in.

Now, we’re staying in a hotel, but the Red Cross funds have run out and I didn’t have renters insurance. Every day is a struggle to keep my kids’ lives as normal as possible. I need help with gas to get them to and from school, and I can’t afford to replace even the basics like my daughter’s backpack and lunchbox. My son’s computer and everything he cherished are gone. I’ve called emergency housing twice today and am still waiting for a reply. We have to check out of our motel by noon tomorrow, and after that, we have nowhere to go. I have no family or support here, and I’m doing everything I can to keep my family safe and together.

If you can help in any way, it would mean the world to us. Your support will help us find stability, replace what we’ve lost, and give my children hope as we try to rebuild our lives from scratch. Thank you for reading our story and for any kindness you can share.