Madison WI New Years House Fire 2023

Hello. My name is Derek Rose and I am the eldest grandchild of Ruby Rose. I would first and foremost like to thank you for taking the time to read my plea for help. I am not a man of many means, and I know it's a shot in the dark, but I have to try to help my uncles who were displaced by tragedy earlier today and restore a place that is very near and dear to my heart, my grandmother Ruby's home.

It is statically proven that single-parent families fall victim to unforeseen circumstances. Many living paycheck to paycheck, not being able to maintain key upkeeps to the home and tragedy strikes; job loss, insurance/mortgage lapse, roof leaks, pipes burst, fire, poor estate planning, and after years of blood sweat and tears, the family home is relinquished to the bank, which repossesses the property and sells it, and starts the process starts all over again.

Since the early '70s, my grandmother owned her home on W lakeside st. After losing her husband, she raised 8 children on her own and many of the then children of the neighborhood. I remember walking to grandma Ruby's house from Franklin Elementary, where there would be a hot meal waiting, and a quiet place for me to do my homework until my mom got off work. She always had a kind word, a hot meal or a warm bed for anyone in need.

Sadly my grandmother passed away in January of 2022 leaving her children unprepared for her sudden passing. After struggling to stay afloat for the past year, an electrical fire began in the attic of her home at approx 3 am New Year's Day. Damages are estimated near $100,000, leaving the home inhabitable, displacing 4 of my uncles who have been residing in the home, one of which is a US Army veteran.

I can not stand by and let the legacy of my grandmother die as suddenly as she did a year ago. I want to assist my uncles in finding a place to stay and rebuild my grandmother's home. With the community's help, make my grandmother's home a haven for families of the community again. Offering a safe place to stay the way my grandmother Ruby did, so many years ago.