Shaffer family home fire after the loss of father

My name is tiffany shaffer. On February 13th my family went through a traumatic loss when my husband, Aaron Shaffer, passed away in our home from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Sadly, our son (7 years old) and daughter (3 years old) were in the home along with our close friend, and roommate, Melanie. I was able to get my children safely into our roommate’s room before this terrible incident took place.

Following the death of my husband, finding somewhere to live was nearly impossible, not just financially (due to unexpected expenses associated with this loss) but also due to the market in Missoula. Over the last few weeks, following the viewing and celebration of life, organizations have offered what they could for materials and services to help make our trailer livable again. Family and other loved ones have given their free time and what money was available to handle the clean-up, repair and remodeling needed after the life-changing event. After weeks of hard work and stress, the end goal of being able to move back home was just a few short days away when, on March 18th, another tragedy took us by storm. The opportunity was taken from us when a fire started on the porch of our family home of 10 years. Thankfully, my children and I were not present at the time.

The fire destroyed our porch, part of the exterior wall, as well as heat damage into the main part of our home. The heat damage even extended to the exterior of our neighbor’s home. There is extensive smoke, soot, and water damage throughout the entirety.

Having been a stay-at-home mother with no personal income, when these horrible losses happened so close to each other, it caused our financial struggle to reach rock bottom. We are grateful for any kind of assistance at this time, whether that be financial, labor, material, or any other services you may be able to offer. If all you can do is share this, that is a great help, as well! If you are willing/able to help, please reach out to me at my email: [email redacted]