Please help us help our mom after her house fire

Last night our mom's home burned down

My mom arrived from work to find her house engulfed in flames, distraught and unsure if my stepdad and their dog were ok.

Thankfully, they were able to get out safely in time and everyone is physically ok.

But I watched my childhood home—my immigrant mother’s home she worked her butt off for and poured her soul into for 21 years—burn on a FaceTime call from across the world.

They no longer have clothes, their medications, lost one of two cars, more than half of the house has collapsed, and we believe most of the interiors and belongings will have toxic smoke damage.

Thank you to our neighbors and my friends who happened to be visiting our hometown last night and rushed to the scene to assist my mom while my sister and I are abroad.

I am devastated for my family but grateful that no one was harmed and we feel lucky to have the support of our friends and local community.

As videos of the fire surfaced on local Facebook groups last night, many have asked for my mom’s Venmo (@ heloisa-Cronk) to send her funds directly. 

If anyone in the New Milford, CT area can offer my mom a helping hand in any way, please don’t hesitate to reach out.