Help Katie and Neema Rebuild After Fire

This fundraiser is for Katie Beck and Neema Bal, and the damages to their North Hill home after a fire.

In the early hours of December 16th, my friends were woken up at 3:30am to a pounding on their door, the smell of smoke, and the vacant house next to them fully engulfed in flames.

Thankfully, no one was hurt, and the fire department was able to save Katie and Neema's house from going up in flames as well. There is much to be grateful for. (Their indoor/outdoor cat Jilkay even returned after a scary time being missing!)

With the fire being so intense their house still acquired extensive damage and will take time to repair and rebuild due to water damage and smoke damage all throughout. They are currently working with their insurance company to see the next steps, however, as we all know, expenses will come up and things will not be covered. And in the full-time creative artist world, time unfortunately is money.

They will need money for new curtains, carpet, cleaning supplies, labor. Money for mental health care to aid in the acute stress after a traumatic event. Money for food while they can't cook in their kitchen and are unable to fully stay in the house. Money for replacing furniture, paints, plants, carpet, etc due to water damage or smoke damage. The list goes on and on.

Katie and Neema are heavily involved in our Akron community and have contributed so much to the flourishing of our city. They are so gifted at creating spaces where people can come together and utilize the arts to heal and build community. So many of us have benefitted from their leadership and passion for Akron. Now is the time for us to step in and support them.

Every dollar raised goes directly to Neema and Katie as they begin to sort out life after the fire.

On behalf of Katie, Neema, Dayton, and Jilkay--thank you for your support.

In community,

Amber