Save Chiyo and Ronald Asaka's Burned Home
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On Sunday Dec 29, 2019, Chiyo and Ronald, respectively 80 and 84 years old, came home from church services to see over 10 emergency vehicles at their house. A fire of unknown causes had ravaged their home of 56 years. The kitchen with its stove, refrigerator, metal cabinets, and counters had been incinerated. The downstairs bathroom, hallway and closets had been burned as well.
In order to contain the spread of the flames, firefighters ripped out drywall throughout both floors of the entire home; they also broke several windows in the house to allow the smoke to exit. The Asaka home and all belongings endured extensive smoke as well as water damage. The firefighters tagged the house "unlivable" and forced Ronald and Chiyo to move out. The elderly couple has been sleeping in one of their daughter's living rooms, on a sleeper sofa since the fire, because they are not allowed to live in their home and do not have the means to stay elsewhere.
The estimated cost to get the house in livable condition is a minimum of $50,000. This is solely for basic repairs on the home and does not include replacing any belongings. The drywall, appliances, and windows need to be replaced, as well as flooring, carpets, cabinetry, and furniture. The family has tried to salvage as many items and furniture as possible, because they can't afford to replace them.
Chiyo and Ronald, both retired, have been living solely on Social Security with minimal to no savings. They did not have home owner's insurance at the time of the fire. Ronald is a proud man, an Army Veteran, who has attempted to restore the house without any professional help, up to this point relying merely on the work of his 79 year old brother, son, and other assistance his children and family have been able to provide. The church has also helped with laundry services, provided some meals and given other needed support.
Chiyo and Ronald have been working diligently to return to their home without asking for outside help, however they can no longer do this on their own. Family funds and required labor are limited. Their children and extended family do not have the resources to provide a safety net for them or to complete the necessary repairs.
Please consider making a donation in order to help this wonderful elderly couple preserve their home. This is an understandably heartbreaking time for them, and they are in great need.
Updates will be posted along with reporting of what donations are used for.
Thank you from the depths of our hearts,
Nicole Ayala, Granddaughter of Ronald and Chiyo Asaka
On Behalf of the The Asaka Family
________________________________
Here are some close ups of photos taken shortly after the fire and during the first week showing some of the damage that was done and areas that needed cleanup.
In order to contain the spread of the flames, firefighters ripped out drywall throughout both floors of the entire home; they also broke several windows in the house to allow the smoke to exit. The Asaka home and all belongings endured extensive smoke as well as water damage. The firefighters tagged the house "unlivable" and forced Ronald and Chiyo to move out. The elderly couple has been sleeping in one of their daughter's living rooms, on a sleeper sofa since the fire, because they are not allowed to live in their home and do not have the means to stay elsewhere.
The estimated cost to get the house in livable condition is a minimum of $50,000. This is solely for basic repairs on the home and does not include replacing any belongings. The drywall, appliances, and windows need to be replaced, as well as flooring, carpets, cabinetry, and furniture. The family has tried to salvage as many items and furniture as possible, because they can't afford to replace them.
Chiyo and Ronald, both retired, have been living solely on Social Security with minimal to no savings. They did not have home owner's insurance at the time of the fire. Ronald is a proud man, an Army Veteran, who has attempted to restore the house without any professional help, up to this point relying merely on the work of his 79 year old brother, son, and other assistance his children and family have been able to provide. The church has also helped with laundry services, provided some meals and given other needed support.
Chiyo and Ronald have been working diligently to return to their home without asking for outside help, however they can no longer do this on their own. Family funds and required labor are limited. Their children and extended family do not have the resources to provide a safety net for them or to complete the necessary repairs.
Please consider making a donation in order to help this wonderful elderly couple preserve their home. This is an understandably heartbreaking time for them, and they are in great need.
Updates will be posted along with reporting of what donations are used for.
Thank you from the depths of our hearts,
Nicole Ayala, Granddaughter of Ronald and Chiyo Asaka
On Behalf of the The Asaka Family
________________________________
Here are some close ups of photos taken shortly after the fire and during the first week showing some of the damage that was done and areas that needed cleanup.
Organizer
Nicole Ayala
Organizer
Bowie, MD
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