On Friday, October 9, a fire destroyed the Springside Ave. apartment Tugba Merino shared with her five-month-old daughter, Ela, and Bulut, her beloved dog. Thankfully, no one was hurt, but the family lost most of their possessions and is now without a home.

On top of this, Ela's father was detained by ICE two days later and is currently being held in a facility hours away, with no clear explanation. This has made a heartbreaking situation even harder for the family.

They are overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. If you know of any housing assistance, legal support, organizations, or resources that could help them rebuild their lives, please reach out. Any support, advice, or guidance would mean so much to them.

Tugba has been a devoted caregiver for others' children for years, as a pre-school teacher at various schools in the Berkshires and western Mass. Now, we are asking the community she loves to show her some of that same care, by helping her and her daughter recover from this traumatic experience and find a warm, safe home before winter comes.

Thank you for your kindness and for keeping this beautiful young family in your thoughts.