On May 3rd, my son and I experienced the unimaginable. A 12-alarm fire swept through Belleville, NJ, destroying multiple buildings—including our apartment. In a matter of hours, everything we had worked for was gone. I watched my town and my community fill with smoke and ash. I was able to get my son and my cat out of the house just in time, with the help of a firefighter.

We lost everything in the fire. Right now, we need help with temporary housing, food, clothing, school supplies for my son, and even the most basic essentials like toilet paper. I can’t believe we have to start all over but we literally lost everything. But I know that with the support of our friends, family and community, we can begin to rebuild.

If you’re able to help, it would mean the world to us. I know as you get older, days start to blend together, but my son and I will never forget this one. That feeling is with us forever now. Thank you for reading our story and for any support you can give.