We never imagined we would find ourselves in this position.
Recently, our family of six—and our beloved cat—were suddenly displaced when the ceiling in our living room catastrophically collapsed. What should have been an ordinary day turned into one of the most frightening experiences of our lives.
The most incredible part of this story is that, through what can only be described as divine intervention and a series of unusual circumstances, nobody was in the living room when it happened. With six people constantly moving through the house, that is nothing short of a miracle. Had the collapse happened just minutes earlier or later, the outcome could have been devastating.
While we are deeply grateful that everyone is safe, we are now facing the overwhelming reality of losing our home and trying to figure out what comes next.
What makes this situation even more difficult is that after almost a week of waiting for answers, we have now been informed that the property owners are refusing to clean up the damage and have given us just 14 days to vacate the property because they are terminating our lease. Instead of receiving support during this crisis, we are now facing the impossible task of finding a new home while navigating the loss of nearly everything we own.
The collapse left our belongings buried under debris, insulation, fiberglass, dust, and mold-contaminated materials. We were forced to evacuate immediately with little more than the clothes on our backs. Now, we have no idea how to safely clean, sanitize, or salvage our possessions. Every room, every piece of furniture, every box of keepsakes, clothing, toys, and household items must be evaluated, cleaned, or replaced.
Those who know us know that helping others is at the center of our lives.
Gaby dedicates his career to helping people facing difficult housing situations find safer, more stable places to live. Every day, he works tirelessly to improve the lives of people who are struggling, often putting the needs of others before his own.
Jess spends her days helping people manage pain, recover from injuries, and navigate their health challenges with compassion and empathy. Her work is built around caring for others and helping them through some of their hardest moments.
We have always tried to be the people who show up when others need help. Today, we find ourselves in the unfamiliar position of needing help ourselves.
The costs associated with temporary housing, security deposits, moving expenses, replacing damaged belongings, meals, transportation, storage, and the countless unexpected expenses that come with being suddenly displaced are adding up quickly. At the same time, we are trying to advocate for our family and seek accountability from the parties responsible while keeping life as normal as possible for our children.
If you are able to contribute, no amount is too small. If you are unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser with your friends, family, and community would mean the world to us.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your kindness, support, prayers, and encouragement during this incredibly difficult time. We are grateful beyond words that our family is safe, and with your help, we hope to move forward from this frightening chapter and begin rebuilding our lives.
With gratitude,
Gaby, Jess, the kids, and our very thankful cat ❤️