Helping Dr. Jose Ricardo Moreno Rebuild

As Jose’s time in Los Angeles drew to a close, he considered his options alongside his partner, Robert. New York City had been good to Jose, he fell in love with the city during his time at Columbia, but he migrated to the West Coast to pursue his Ph.D. upon graduation. With graduation pending again, Jose still had the Big Apple in the back of his mind. Following his dreams and heart, Jose Ricardo and his partner decided to make NYC home. 

Unfortunately, on the morning of Friday, December 2nd, a plumber welding the radiator in the unit below started a fire that climbed up into their apartment. While on a work call, Jose began to smell smoke, saw it coming from the bedroom radiator, discovered the fire climbing up the wall, and called 911. 

The fire consumed all the units above and below the unit that he and his partner called home. We are happy to report no loss of life, but the fire marshal has declared their apartment and belongings a total loss. As they start to figure it out and put the pieces together, Jose and his partner are staying with friends. 

As Jose’s best friend, I want to help and ask for donations so that he can get back on his feet. We know it’s the holidays and times are tough. Thank you for your generosity and outreach.