Lanere and family move beyond fire with a fresh start

My name is Lanere Rollins. I am 64, highly favored and Blessed. Physically Disabled but not discouraged. I have been a fire fighter, truck driver, the Executive Director of a agency that assisted individuals transitioning back into society from jail that were infected and affected by HIV/AIDS and battling substance abuse. I worked with young people struggling with educational, family, economic and criminal justice issues. They learned to succeed in the midst of seemingly insurmountable circumstances. I worked in the theater, movies and television industry in several capacities. I am a Shop Steward and union representative for Parking Production Assistants for CWA local 1101. I am presently a Minister in Training and working towards being Chaplin. I have worked tirelessly to be of service to others. I know that my divine purpose is to be of service to others and tell them God is here for us and loves each of us. The

wonderful people in the photo are my 40 year old daughter Charelia. She lives with Multiple Sclerosis. I say lives because we were told in 2008 she wouldn't live past her 28th birthday but God said differently. Yes, she has many physical and mental struggles, however she fights everyday knowing God is with her. And the little guy is my daughters Blessed miracle child that the doctors told her she couldn't have. That she could possibly die during child birth because of her unstable condition and that her child would most likely be premature. My daughter survived child birth despite the difficulty of wearing a wired brain cap and the extreme pain they had to monitor and thought she couldn't take, she did it. And her son, (my grandson) Alexander Gabriel was born 6lbs 3oz. No he wasn't a premature baby☺️. He is presently 2 years old

On June 21st, 2024 at 8:30 am my family and I were awaken to a loud buzzing sound in the kitchen and then the wall burst into flames. I had a small one bedroom apartment on the ground floor of a private house. The kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and living room were all connected by a tiny hallway. The sound of the electricity burning in the walls was easily heard. Especially the the sound of the wall bursting into flames. We awoke immediately and I told them to get out and call the fire department. I got them out safely but, I went back inside to put out the fire because it was spreading fast. I feared we would lose everything because of the small space. My daughter screamed for me not to go however, I was a fire fighter in my twenties but I survived jumping out a window from the 5th floor which left me disabled and Blessed to be alive. I knew what to do going inside. I put the fire out to my best ability and the firemen completed the job. The fire department, Con Edison, and a master electrician informed us that the apartment was in dangerous disrepair. They informed the landlord of this but he insisted it wasn't that bad. The informed us that they were turning the electricity off repairs were completed, inspected and approved by proper authorities. The landlord told the electrician to return in 2 days to begin repairs. However, the next day the landlord texted the electrician telling him he changed his mind and will not do any further repairs. He did this without informing us. The electrician showed up to inform us of what had transpired and said he would attempt to help us as best as possible because of the seriousness of the situation and couldn't believe that the landlord would ignore what was told to him. The electrician attempted to look at a ceiling light that was hanging down with exposed wires and as he was looking at it the wires in the ceiling started to buzz and a fire burst in the ceiling. Once again the fire department was called and the landlord warned of the seriousness of the situation. We were told to leave the apartment immediately. It was deemed uninhabitable. This same situation began in February of the year when 2 outlets in my living room had a burning smell and I informed the landlord and he did nothing so I hired a electrician to inspect my apartment and fix the outlets. I was told then that the apartment was in serious electrical disrepair.

We have been trying to find affordable housing because of the problems we were experiencing. Affordable housing is a major issue for many people but if you are two disabled people with a child on a fixed income the issue is compounded by finding appropriate housing without steps, on the 1st or 2nd floor because of our disabilities. As well as other issues we encounter living day to day. We are presently living at my sisters house in her living room and basement. Walking up and downstairs for us is a major fear because we can easily fall from our legs giving out or from having a seizure from the daily stress, or pass out from weaknesses or my blood pressure falling abruptly. We don't have the money to pay a realtor presently. I have gone through my savings moving out of my apartment suddenly to salvage what I have and put it in storage. The Red Cross has given me referrals to several agencies to no avail. I have alot of people saying they will contact me immediately however I am the person constantly calling and going to one place after the other seeking assistance. A week after the fire I ended up in the hospital for 5 days. Ultimately, I am grateful for the safety of my family and the graciousness of my sister. But the stress of our situation is taking a serious toll on our health. When the Red Cross suggested we we make a Gofundme request I thought there are so many people in need. But the counselor informed me so are we. I've spent my life helping others daily. It's OK to ask for help in my time of need. We are graciously asking for $8000 to assist us with housing, moving, furniture, and a Blessed path to a new beginning. Thank you for your time and giving. God Bless