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 of 18–26 Madison Street. On January 6th at 3:30 a.m., a five-alarm fire broke out in Ridgewood, destroying three consecutive buildings, including our own.
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
We have all been displaced. 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. 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 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.
UPDATE (1/28/25)
Thanks to your incredible support, two apartments/families and a building resident have secured new housing and can begin the process of rebuilding. The other residents are finding their footing and can take a breath thanks to the outpouring of generosity and care. This has been a beautiful community to be apart of.
Gratefully,
Julie Florio
(on behalf of 18-26 Madison Street)
Organizer
