Please Help Maribel and Arturo Gonzalez Get Back on Their Feet After a Devastating Fire

Yesterday, tragedy struck here in Niland when Maribel and Arturo Gonzalez’s home was destroyed in an act of arson. The couple lived together in a small trailer that contained everything they owned. Within moments, their home and all their belongings were gone.

Maribel and Arturo also shared their home with five beloved Chihuahuas who are like children to them. Heartbreakingly, two of their dogs did not survive the fire. After watching their home burn, they then had to endure the unimaginable pain of burying two members of their family.

Maribel suffered smoke inhalation and had to be taken to the hospital. She already faces serious health challenges, including lupus, epilepsy, gout, arthritis, and diabetes. Her husband, Arturo, is battling leukemia. Because of their medical conditions, neither of them is able to work, and they survive on a limited disability income.

They were unable to obtain insurance for their trailer, so there is no insurance policy to replace what they lost. They are now without a home, clothing, personal belongings, and many of the basic necessities they need each day. At the same time, they must continue attending important medical appointments and managing their serious health conditions.

Funds raised through this GoFundMe will help Maribel and Arturo:

- Get back on their feet after losing everything

- Pay for emergency shelter and basic necessities

- Purchase clothing, food, medications, and personal hygiene items

- Cover transportation to their medical appointments

- Begin the costly permitting process needed to place another trailer on their property

- Possibly purchase a small used trailer to call home

- If replacing the trailer is not possible, pay a security deposit and first and last month’s rent for a new home

- Cover other immediate expenses related to recovering from the fire

Maribel has always been an active and caring member of the Niland community. She has supported our senior events, children’s back-to-school and Christmas drives, and weekly food distributions. She has continually given her time and heart to help others without expecting anything in return.

Now, Maribel and Arturo need our community to stand beside them. Please help them get back on their feet and begin rebuilding their lives.

Let us pay their kindness forward. No donation is too small, and every contribution will help them move one step closer to having a safe place to call home again. If you cannot donate, please share this fundraiser so it can reach others who may be able to help.

Thank you for supporting Maribel and Arturo during this heartbreaking and difficult time. Your compassion, prayers, donations, and shares mean more than words can express.