As a local journalist, I have known Scott Miller of Trenton for many years. Scott needs our help now after a fire damaged his house on Monday night, Nov. 17. The first-floor kitchen area was destroyed.

The good news: Scott and his cat Squeaky are okay, though they both inhaled smoke. The second and third floors only have smoke damage, and his work studio, where musicians record (known as "the barn"), is pretty much intact.

The bad news: Scott did not have insurance on the building (Ugh, I know, I know). The Red Cross put him up in a hotel in Ewing last night. After losing a tenant and another source of revenue, Scott is not in a position to pay for needed repairs to the first floor right now.

I am hoping his friends and the Trenton community will donate money to help Scott with basic expenses right now and initial funds to hire an electrician and get some basic things done so he can move back into the upstairs. Fortunately, it appears that the brick building is structurally sound.

Scott also needs a place to stay temporarily, and a place where his cat can stay until he can move back into the building.

Please help Scott with a donation of any size to help meet his basic needs and pay for an electrician to help him get on the path to restoring the house.

A fire is devastating, as anyone who has experienced it knows. It can be hard to ask for help. Let's be proactive and help Scott right now when he needs it most. All funds raised will go directly to Scott. He is still in shock. Friends are also helping him remove debris on the first floor and bringing him food if you can help that way.

I will post regular updates as they become available.