UPDATE (October 31, 2025):

Dear Donors and Community Members

Thank you for your continued generosity. The response from the community has been wonderful and touching on behalf of our neighbors. Your kindness and solidarity have lifted our spirits and helped us move faster than expected.

I would like to share a few updates

First, let's take a minute to thank the brave firefighters and police officers who risked their lives and continue to work on behalf of Riptide Sq. Our local fire station #618 responded quickly and effectively, saving houses that would have otherwise been lost. Thank you brave men and women.

Second, please note that we formed a small organizing committee among Riptide Sq neighbors to consider the best way to distribute funds. The decision was made to distribute to those families displaced by the fire, i.e. in houses that were occupied on the night of the fire. In addition, funds will be distributed based on need vis-a-vis extent of damage/injury and displacement. We are also aware of the latest news surrounding the incident.

In this regard, and in the interest of transparency, would like to confirm that we will make an initial distribution of $22,000 to: (i) one family who suffered the unimaginable loss of a beloved family member (ii) one family who lost their entire home and belongings and (iii) one family who has to be relocated for an extended period of time due to severe smoke damage. The GoFundMe campaign will continue, but, from this point will pivot to be solely beneficial to the family in (ii) above due to the extent of their loss. These distributions will be made in close coordination with the families and GoFundMe team.

We want to reassure you that we remain fully informed of the incident and are closely following the ongoing investigation through official channels.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you again for being part of this compassionate and resilient community. Your generosity is humbling and is helping neighbors to heal and rebuild.

With gratitude,

Tom & the Riptide Committee

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Hello Neighbors and friends

in the early hours of October 24, a fire raged through a row of townhouses in our beloved community on Riptide Square which is behind Lowes Island elementary. Several families have completely lost their homes and ALL belongings. The fire erupted was such force and speed that there was literally nothing to do but race out in pajamas.

These families need help with clothes, accommodations, etc. Insurance will help at some point, but who knows when the help will arrive and what this might entail. We as a community can step in to help in the interim. Emergencies like this bring out the best in us to support our loved ones and neighbors.

Please join me in supporting our neighbors at Riptide Sq, Sterling VA.

Who am I? My name is Tom Williams and I am a homeowner on Riptide Sq in a house that did not sustain significant damage. The money raised from this fundraiser will be distributed to three homeowners whose houses are now unlivable and/or completely destroyed and two other resident families temporarily displaced. I am not related to any of the homeowners or residents and I will not distribute any money for my personal use through this fundraiser.

Money raised will be distributed in two parts. The first part, based on donations received by Sunday, October 26, will be distributed the week of October 27. The 2nd part, based on additional donations received by Sunday, November 2, will be distributed the week of November 3. Donations will be distributed based on need, vis-a-vis total loss or temporary displacement. As there are multiple families impacted, I will transfer donations to me and then immediately split up this money to several recipients.

Recipients will spend these generous donations on accomodations, food and clothing. Home insurance may assist recipients at some point but the extent and timing of this support is uncertain. Hence, the importance of our efforts now to ensure recipients can immediately pay for temporary housing and food.