Main fundraiser photo

Help Kabao and Tou Yia get back on their feet

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I took this photo of my sister and brother-in-law a month ago, on February 26th, 2023. This moment was of happiness, clarity, and a win for them. We took a day trip to and from Manitowoc, bearing great news for their future back home. We celebrated my brother-in-law's birthday in that last hour before midnight, right when we got home, toasting all favorable outcomes into the future.

However, thirty days later, the unfathomable happened: on March 27th, 2023, around 9 am, they nearly lost their entire home, engulfed by a house fire.

Kabao was already at work, their kids, Arielle and Avery, got on their bus safely and were already en route to school. At the time, our brother-in-law Touyia and their dog Dream were the only ones home, and they came out of it with minor burns. Every inch of the house is either covered in dust particles or left soaking wet from putting out the flames.

Our family has watched for the last two years as they relentlessly spent their summers refreshing their home after living in the space for over ten years. We were so proud of their efforts; we'd walk in and think we were in a new home after their renovations! We rooted for them as they finished the last few spaces this year, including ripping out the old carpet in each room, repainting, re-flooring their entire upstairs area, and redoing their whole kitchen with new countertops, a new sink, kitchen island, flooring, fridge — all that hard work into ruins in a matter of seconds.

They can only collect a few personal items and are left with just the clothes on their backs. If you know my sister, Kabao, she'd always be the first to suggest, to show up, and often be the last to leave any of our events (and she'd be the one washing your dishes, knowing that you'd be too tired to clean up afterward). I know they will never ask publicly for help out of pride, even in times of need, but that's where my family and the community come in.

I am asking on behalf of my sister and brother-in-law for their friends, family, and anyone else in the community who feels compelled to donate — as ANY amount will help them get back on their feet.

The funds will go towards necessities such as clothing, shoes, and hygienic products and cover any bills that may come their way.

They are mourning the loss of their home and have much to figure out during this time as to what to do for the next steps. Your help will lessen the burden of a long road of feeling displaced. We hope to jumpstart them on returning to a feasible routine as fast as possible. Please donate and share with your community. Let's kindly make it happen for them!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read and donate!

– Nicollazzi Xiong & Xiong Family

PHOTOS:

back porch (where fire suspected to have originated from)

kitchen (post-fire)

kitchen (before the fire and after renovations)

kitchen (before renovations)



dining area (post-fire)

dining area (before the fire)

(upstairs foyer post-fire)

(upstairs foyer before the fire)


Arielle's room (post-fire)

Arielle's room (before the fire)


Day 2: Updates

Last night I was on the phone with my sister to check their mental and emotional health. Day 2 sounded much better, knowing all their supporters have backed them up. My brother-in-law is taking it slow for now and is on the mend.

Please keep sharing with your network. There is much work to do! Thank you to all who have contributed, shared, and personally reached out to Kabao and Tou Yia during this unforeseen time.

Day 3: Updates

Community is EVERYTHING; we raised over $6K in less than 48 hours! This sheds so much light for my sister Kabao and brother-in-law Tou Yia.

My nephew Avery and Arielle are taking it better than their parents and have requested that they continue attending school. They miss their plushies and soft stuffies to comfort them at night (now we can replenish plenty for them, of course!)

Many have rushed to get the kids new necessities like blankets, pillows, toothbrushes, socks, undies, and clothing storage bins (it’s not fun living out of trash bags). Thank you so much to these amazing friends and family.

[Also, many of you asked if you could donate items. Meanwhile, we would love to accept the items; the family has nowhere to store anything, so taking anything physical other than a monetary gift would make traveling difficult since everything is temporary. Many thanks for considering my request.]

If you have ever experienced a house fire, know that even if things look “salvageable,” you ideally can’t take it because of the carcinogens. The aftermath of their house looks hauntingly scary, sad, and frozen in time. It is winterized for the moment, and they are working with insurance to be placed in a rental asap, but it could take 2-4 weeks; they are staying with other close relatives.

My sister is a school teacher coach. They live on one income because my brother-in-law is still transitioning from his former career. Your contributions will help them with basic needs, bills, and other expenses that may arise as they figure out the next steps.
It feels like an awful nightmare in the last three days for them. The opportunity to help them is still there if anyone wants to help.

Please continue the momentum—donate and share this post.

Thank you for helping their family bring a sense of “normalcy” and contributing what you can during this difficult time. You guys are amazing.

Day 4: Updates

HOLY COW! Ya'll are the greatest! We are $250 away from $10K!

  • KB and TY have submitted a request for hotel accommodations, but they have not heard back yet. For now, they are still staying with relatives
  • The kids are officially on Spring Break (hopefully, they get to a hotel sooner so that the kids can be at ease)
  • Counselors at school have been very kind and checking up on the kids up to 3X's a day (so amazing!)
  • They've been in contact with another family who, too, suffered a house fire 2 weeks prior to them (It's been super helpful for them to make connections with people who are in the same situation)
  • They're taking steps to set up the hunt for contractors


This year indeed has been challenging for our family; however, I am so overwhelmed with the love and support from the community!

When I started this GoFundMe, I had no idea what to expect or what number we were shooting for a fundraiser. No one knows what to expect after a house fire, even if you have insurance. We have no idea how soon we can reach resources, and we've learned that there are a lot of people out there looking to swoop in and take advantage during this vulnerable time. It is hard to know which option is best. Insurance provides help, but sometimes it doesn't cover enough. Your contributions will go a long way, whether that is contributing monetary wise or even pushing out the GoFundMe.

The community has been generous with sharing the posts, contributing to the cause, and reaching out with kind gestures, words, and prayers. Again, on behalf of my sister and brother-in-law, thank you so much for helping to brighten their week after this tragedy. Love you all so much!

Peace and love,

— Azzi & Xiong Fam

Day 36:

Thank you all for your contributions, whether big or small. They have not gone unnoticed! We are overjoyed by the love and support of family, friends, and strangers. Here is the last update of this fundraiser. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us on FB (Kabnpaujx XV) or by phone.
  • We have found a temporary home in North St. Paul, and our lease goes until the end of the year, month-to-month as needed. We are settling in and trying to start fresh!
  • We have the majority of our possessions packed away for cleaning and restoration with our contents vendor. Next is cleaning and gutting the house.
  • We have received our home estimates for damages and restoration and will be meeting our builder/contractor in two weeks!
Donate

Donations 

  • Katie Heisel
    • $54
    • 2 yrs
  • Mao Vang
    • $100
    • 2 yrs
  • Jenna Cushing-Leubner
    • $200
    • 2 yrs
  • Judy Her
    • $100
    • 2 yrs
  • Chong Yang
    • $50
    • 2 yrs
Donate

Fundraising team (2)

Nicollazzi Xiong
Organizer
St. Paul, MN
Touyia Vang
Beneficiary
Priscilla Xiong
Team member

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