Help the residents of 18-26 Madison rebuild after a 5 alarm fire destroys three buildings.
My name is Julie and I am one of the residents from 18-26 Madison Street. On January 6th, at 3:25AM I was jolted awake by screams and explosive noises. I thought it was fireworks, but when I looked opened my window to look out, I saw the adjacent building was in flames. I rushed to wake my roommate, who grabbed her cat, and together we made sure our neighbors and their pets got out safely.
Our building was home to several families in five apartments:
- Krista and Ali, with their cats Nino and Dora
- Tom and Bovena, with their daughter Sharon.
- Caitlin, a frequent foster for Ridgewood Rescue Cats
- Grazyna and Pawel, with their Cavapoo
- Julie and Julia, with their cat Maya.
Three consecutive buildings, including our own, were completely destroyed. We have all been displaced. The Red Cross provided a week in a hotel, and families are facing the possibility of being housed in local shelters. Many do not have apartment insurance and have lost everything. The emotional toll is heavy, and the uncertainty about the future is overwhelming.
The funds raised through this campaign will help the families of all five apartments with immediate needs like food, clothing, and temporary housing. In the long term, we hope to secure permanent housing and replace essential furnishings so we can begin to rebuild our lives. What we need most is a long-term solution for housing, so any leads on affordable apartment availability would be a lifeline. Please feel free to direct message this fundraiser for any information.
Every donation, no matter the size, will make a huge impact on the lives of those who have lost their physical possessions and sense of security. Your kindness, support, and willingness to share this fundraiser mean the world to us as we work to recover and rebuild.
This wasn’t just an apartment building - it was a home and a close-knit community. Tom loved sitting on the front stoop on warm days, listening to music or baseball games, and anytime you walked down Madison, there were always friendly faces ready to welcome you home.
Our hearts are with all of our neighbors who have lost so much in this fire. Please check our their fundraising pages, they have been incredible neighbors:
We are deeply grateful to the FDNY, first responders, and the surrounding community for their compassion, care, and swift action during this incredibly difficult time.
Gratefully,
Julie Florio
(on behalf of 18-26 Madison Street)
Organizer
