Hi, my name is Michael Spears, and I never imagined I’d be in a position where I’d need to ask for help like this.

On December 26, 2025, my apartment building caught fire. I was not in the building at the time of the fire, but my mother, who lives with me, was home and was, thankfully, able to safely evacuate. While my unit did not have direct fire damage, the unit directly above mine was the source of the fire, so my unit suffered severe water and smoke damage, and parts of the ceiling collapsed. The apartment has been deemed unsafe and unlivable, and nearly everything we owned has been damaged or lost.

Unfortunately, I did not have renter’s insurance at the time of the fire. In a matter of hours, my mother and I were displaced from our home and left facing the reality of starting over with very little. I am currently working to secure immediate housing, relocate, and replace basic necessities such as clothing, furniture, and essential household items.

The American Red Cross has provided some emergency assistance, for which I am incredibly grateful, but it only covers a small portion of what’s needed to recover from a loss of this magnitude.

Donated funds will help cover:

* Immediate and temporary housing

* Relocation costs

* Replacement of essential belongings

* Basic living expenses as I work to start over

Any donation—no matter the amount—will make a huge difference. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser would mean just as much. Your kindness, support, and encouragement during this incredibly difficult time truly mean more than I can express.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for helping me move forward.

-Michael Spears

FB article with pictures