Help Ruby & Lavern Rebuild After Fire

Ruby and Lavern’s emergency fund restores stable housing, essentials, and daily medical care

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$2,050 raised of 

Help Ruby & Lavern Rebuild After Fire

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On May 31, 2026, our family experienced a devastating tragedy when a fire damaged our longtime home at 2336 Campbell Avenue in Schenectady, New York. This fundraiser is dedicated to helping Ruby Johnson and her daughter, Lavern Johnson, recover and rebuild after being displaced from the home they shared for many years. Ruby Johnson is the beloved matriarch of the Johnson and Myrick family, the mother of seven children, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend to many. She has spent a lifetime helping build and support her large family. Today, Ruby faces significant health challenges, including dementia, diabetes, neuropathy, and mobility limitations. Familiar surroundings and routines are especially important for individuals living with dementia, making this sudden displacement incredibly difficult and emotionally disruptive. Losing her home has taken away the stability she depends on every day. Her daughter, Lavern Johnson, has spent more than 20 years serving individuals with disabilities through the Center for Disability Services while also caring for her mother Ruby and helping support other family members with disabilities. Lavern has dedicated much of her life to caring for others, and now she needs the community's support as she helps her family recover from this devastating fire. Although everyone escaped safely, the fire has left Ruby and Lavern displaced and facing the difficult task of rebuilding their lives. They are currently focused on securing stable housing, replacing essential belongings, and creating a safe environment where Ruby can continue receiving the care and support she needs. Donations will help provide temporary housing, clothing, food, medications, transportation, replacement furniture, household necessities, medical-related items, and other essentials needed during the recovery process. The coming months will be especially challenging as they navigate insurance claims, relocation, and the emotional impact of losing the place they called home. Every contribution helps provide comfort, stability, and peace of mind during an incredibly difficult time.
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Organizer and beneficiary

Keif Wray
Organizer
Schenectady, NY
Lavern Johnson
Beneficiary

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