Help Small Businesses Destroyed by Fire

On the morning of January 24, 2024 two neighborhood buildings were destroyed by a fire. These buildings housed 7 very small East African owned "micro businesses." Several businesses were long-standing community businesses that had recently relocated to this location, including a shop specializing in Oromo cultural goods (Ayantu LLC) as well as a long-standing Cedar Avenue tax and immigrantion service (Safari Tax and Immigration). These buildings also housed some of our newest businesses including a spa and a therapist office.

A long time home day care, Al Ruwada Home Day Care, was also badly damaged. The home day care business owner and her spouse were home at the time of the fire but fortunately were not hurt. However, they have had to move out of their home and lost many personal and business items due to the fire, smoke, and water.

These businesses do not have insurance. We are raising funds to give direct grants to these businesses to help them with income replacement, replacement of inventory, furniture, and equipment, and relocation assistance. 100% of funds raised will go to the businesses in these two buildings located on 6th street off Cedar Avenue on the West Bank.