Help After Fire Destroys Luke & Kelly's Home

My brother Luke and his partner Kelly have been the victims of an apartment fire on Feb. 15, 2021, set accidentally by a neighbor using their fireplace for the first time during the winter storm this February in Austin, TX. An unlikely place for such cold temperatures, they had been without power for a day already when the walls and roof caught fire in the floor above, forcing an evacuation with their dogs, wallet, phones, and the clothes on their backs. Nearly everything is gone, burned or water and smoke damage has claimed most of the small building.

Luke, my wonderful brother and recently honorably discharged Navy veteran is currently putting himself through college, while Kelly helps manage a local coffee shop to help her community wake up caffeinated (we all need it!). Their two rescue dogs, Sammy and Jack, also escaped the fire without their beds or any food. 

Rescue pups Jack and Sammy being snuggly.

While insurance has secured them a hotel for the next, their prospects of recovering their belongings, documents, instruments, electronics, clothing or furniture is grim. Water damage is severe as the excessive amounts of water blasted through their windows has now frozen, leaving smoke-caked icicles cascading down the burned building exterior, left to slowly melt into their belongings.

Please consider donating to help them piece their life back together after this very real 2020-style catastrophe. While we hope 2021 is not as much of a dumpster fire as last year, my kind and generous and fun-loving brother's home has suffered the fire instead.

They will not be able to access their home to pick through the remains for a while yet, the building is not safe yet and is locked down to prevent looting until deemed safe for entry. They have no change of clothes, food for themselves or their dogs, or any accommodations other than what their hotel has to offer (all of which cost money). While renter's insurance will cover some, it will only cover the basics and not with depreciation. It will take time for them to establish a new lease, pay the deposit, and start to rebuild their home all while working, keeping up with school and caring for the pups.

After Luke's 6 years of service to our country, we can help give back! If these fine two people have ever been there for you as they've been there for me, now is our chance to step up and help.
 
Luke and Kelly at Deception Pass in Washington State when Luke was stationed at Whidbey Island with the US Navy.

Rescue boys Jack and Sammy in their holiday best.

Luke, serving his country.

Me and my brother when he graduated from US Navy boot camp.

Luke and Kelly, being good people.