#Help the Mereste Family Rebuild After a Devastating House Fire
Hi all, My name is Sandra Semexant and I am a close friend of the Mereste family. I am creating this fundraiser on their behalf during one of the most heartbreaking moments of their lives.
In the early morning hours of July 11th 2026 the family's home in New Jersey was devastated by a 5-alarm fire, Their beloved mother, Omila Mereste, and their 8-year-old daughter and niece, Bianca Mereste, tragically lost their lives in the fire. In addition to grieving this unimaginable tragedy, the surviving family members have lost their home and nearly everything they owned. They are now faced with rebuilding their lives while navigating profound loss.
The family now consists of two adults, and two young children who are all trying to navigate life after this tragedy. They are currently working to relocate from New Jersey to Rhode Island, where they will have temporary housing with family while they begin the long process of rebuilding their lives.
Although the Red Cross has provided emergency assistance, it is only enough to cover two nights of hotel accommodations. Beyond that, they are faced with countless unexpected expenses, including transportation, retrieving and towing their vehicles, replacing clothing and personal belongings, purchasing food and essential household items, and caring for the immediate needs of their children.
I have watched this family support others whenever they could, and now they need our community's support. Every donation, no matter the amount, will go directly toward helping them regain stability and meet their immediate needs during this incredibly difficult time.
Funds raised will help provide:
Temporary housing and living expenses
Clothing, shoes, and personal hygiene items
Food and daily necessities
Transportation from New Jersey to Rhode Island
Towing and retrieval of both family vehicles
Medications, replacement documents, and other emergency expenses
Essential items and support for the children
Immediate financial relief as the family navigates funeral and memorial expenses, if needed
If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser. Your prayers, generosity, and kindness mean more than words can express. On behalf of the entire family, thank you for helping them take the first steps toward healing and rebuilding after this devastating loss.
L'union fait la forc - Unity is strength ❤️