On the evening of Saturday, June 21, sometime around 7:30 PM, a fire broke out next door to our home, which then quickly spread to ours. We later learned from the fire marshal that the cause was an electrical malfunction in the vacant house beside us. The fire quickly spread, and we had just moments to react.

We were able to get out safely with our pets—Odie, Bacchus, Kimber, Gigi, and Petey Boy—and we are so thankful we all made it out alive. But our home, our belongings, and our sense of normalcy have all been destroyed.

This was our first home, purchased in June 2011. It held 14 years of memories, mementos, and everyday comforts that are now gone. We have lost nearly everything. We are displaced for the foreseeable future—our home is uninhabitable and will need to be completely rebuilt.

While we do have insurance, we are now in the difficult waiting period of paperwork, assessments, and delays. In the meantime, we’re facing:

Temporary housing and lodging costs

Clothing, food, and hygiene essentials

Supplies and care for our pets

Insurance deductibles and uncovered expenses

The long-term financial burden of recovery and rebuilding

This fire has forever changed our lives. We are doing our best to stay strong, but we’re asking for help to get through this unimaginable time. If you are able to donate, share, or send a kind message, we would be incredibly grateful. Every single act of kindness helps us get one step closer to rebuilding not just a house—but a home.

With love and deep gratitude,

TJ Barber & Erich Horn

(and Odie, Bacchus, Kimber, Gigi, and Petey Boy)