On Valentine's Day, our apartment building caught on fire due to an explosion in an upstairs unit. The building was deemed uninhabitable, and while we still had our belongings at first, when we came back to get them, everything was gone—we had been robbed. My landlord said she boarded up each apartment and put a lock on the building door, but we were all robbed and everything was gone. Myself and my kids don't have much of anything besides what we took the day the fire happened. I have a 5-month-old and a 16-year-old daughter. The Red Cross helped us for 3 days, and the Landlord and Tenant Advocate put us in a hotel for 14 days. Our days are up and we don't have anywhere to go. My landlord says she doesn't have another apartment for any of us at the moment. I've been to DHS, OTA, Virginia Williams, DC Crime Victims, and more, but so far, no help. I don't want to do this—I've never done anything like this before. I'm embarrassed, but my kids need help.

The funds will help us get a hotel, help us eat, and get some of the things we need. Any support will make a difference for us right now as we try to get back on our feet after losing so much.

I just want to thank anyone who can help with anything. Nothing is too small—everything is greatly appreciated. And if you can't help with anything, just please share and send us up a prayer.