Butson Family CAMP Fire Fund

On the morning of November 8th, my mother, Tamara Butson, was driving home from her early morning job when she spotted a hazy sunrise—a stunning sky stained by fire. She dodged firetrucks and saw the mountainside catch fire as she raced home to my brother—Paradise was already on fire and there was no warning. People raced home to rescue their loved ones. She shook my brother awake and they hurriedly packed our dogs into the car as they heard propane tanks explode up and down the streets. My brother left with only 2 pairs of underwear, 2 shirts, and a couple pairs of shorts. My mom threw in what she could from our scrapbook collection. Then, they raced to the road where it took them 3 hours to escape. The town was in flames.
They fled to Santa Barbara, where they are currently staying with me in my one bedroom apartment that is paid for entirely by financial aid and loans from the school.
My mother raised my brother and I on her own. My brother, though 20, is autistic and is particularly traumatized by this event. With little savings and even fewer belongings, they have been forced to locate longer term housing here, as the nearby towns in Butte County have no housing options available for them. They have no furniture, no clothing, no personal hygiene items, etc. Additionally, my mother has lost her job, as all of her clients’ homes burned down. We are unsure if our house is still standing, but if it is it will be unlivable for many years due to smoke and fire damage, lack of public utilities, etc. We are asking for funds to support my mom and brother as they make this transition. The money will go toward:
1. 1 ½ weeks of dog boarding costs
2. Clothing and basic hygiene items/necessities like toilet paper, paper towels, etc.
3. Basic household items such as dishes, towels, etc.
4. Groceries
5. Two beds- two mattresses and two bed frames as well as two chairs or a small couch.
 
My mom is my hero: she has lived paycheck to paycheck but has never once made us feel like we were missing out on anything. She has always provided us with all the love and support in the world, which hasn’t been easy.  She has never asked for help from anyone--my whole life I have seen her give to others. Each year, she has helped distribute care packages to the homeless of Chico. I have watched her spend her last dollar on a meal for a person who had nothing. I just want her to be able to get back a small sense of normalcy.
 
We appreciate anything you can give.
 
Thank-you so much.