On January 2, 2026 a large fire destroyed a major component of Hensel’s ACE Hardware, leaving 5 community members unemployed with no financial recourse or severance to cover living expenses. I am a dear friend to all of those affected, and this GoFundMe is community led with no affiliation with the owner of Hensel’s or the business as a whole. Please help these laborers affected stay afloat in these trying financial times.

Among the five affected is my friend Esmeralda Ruiz-Torres, who I have chosen as the beneficiary to split the funds evenly with the rest of the group. The proceeds will all go to cost of living expenses.

We appreciate all the support as we figure out our next steps.