ATLANTA — Dozens of people are working through the shock of losing all of their belongings in an Atlanta apartment fire.
Firefighters worked through the weekend to put out the flames that engulfed much of The Reserve at Lavista Walk complex. The fire, which sparked Friday night, was likely caused by two people setting off fireworks, according to authorities. The two have been arrested.
No one was badly hurt, but dozens of units were destroyed in the fire. Residents still have no access to the apartments due to collapse hazards. So far, residents have said they are disappointed with the property company's response, saying they've received no assistance or housing help.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said 20 families were being helped by the Red Cross.
So far, more than 1,800 donors have raised more than $140,000 for residents now forced to rebuild, according to GoFundMe. With the hundreds needing help, there is still time to give ahead of the holiday season.
Here's a list of known fundraisers to help some of the residents get back on their feet.
Car melted, couple loses home
David and Victoria say it's a blessing to be alive considering the scary moments it took to actually escape the fire.
The couple had recently gotten home when an officer banged on the door with evacuation orders. David grabbed his cat and left everything else behind. Victoria tried to get into her car and drive out but the fire trucks blocked the exit.
The two would return to find David's car melted - but his wallet under the driver seat intact. Still, not much could be salvaged.
The person who started the fundraiser is asking for donations and offers way to contribute here. Those who'd like to donate items can coordinate with the person hosting the fundraiser. That information is also here.
Music producer moves to Atlanta, loses everything
Ludovic Antoine, also known by a few aliases, is a music producer who recently moved from New York City just a few months ago.
"Although I'm forever grateful and thankful for surviving, I'm extremely hurt and devastated by the outcome," he said. "I've been in the music industry for over 13 years now and lost 13 years worth of music equipment from my in-home recording studio."
He said he can't imagine having to rebuild 13 years worth of a career alone. Now he's leaning on the community to help and is collecting donations here.
"Every cent and every dollar will go into rebuilding my career in music. Thank you all for taking the time to hear my story," he wrote.
Man, 2 dogs come out unscathed
A friend has started a fundraiser for Heitor, a resident at the complex.
"From work appliances, clothes, dog beds/toys, and even his own bed along with everything else," his friend Jordan described, "Heitor lost 100% of everything."
Heither and his two dogs Ryder and Charlie are ultimately OK but moving with pets possess its own challenge.
"As of now, there is no cooperation from the complex and I am asking everyone to help my friend out as this is a stressful time for him and everyone who was affected," the fundraiser reads.
Help the dog dad by donating here.
Leslie and Josmar Rodriguez
A couple described the fire as one of "great proportions," leaving them without a home.
"We lost everything we fought for every day," Leslie wrote on their online fundraiser in Spanish.
The two are currently in a hospital and are asking for help to pay for clothes, food and a place to stay as they await for other help and insurance to come through.
People can lend a helping hand here.
Neighbor rescues resident's fur baby
A mother is sharing the heroic efforts that saved her daughter and her daughter's dog.
Dionne Clemons described how her daughter Erin "was burned out of her top floor home." Her daughter's neighbor, Dylan, went back and rescued her dog and kept it safe until Erin was able to get home.
"We are praying for Dylan as he is also starting this painful journey to rebuild," the fundraiser reads.
The mother asks people to donate to her daughter's fundraiser and to consider helping all residents who are left without homes.
Newly licensed esthetician puts career on pause
A person described as her best friend started a fundraiser for BJ, a resident of the complex.
According to the fundraiser, she recently became a licensed esthetician and excited to begin her new career.
"Her home and belongings have been reduced to ashes, along with her livelihood destroyed!" the fundraiser reads.
To help her out, click here.
Voiceover artist loses home, recording booth
In hopes of getting Billie Jo Konze back to the booth, a person identified as her partner has started an online fundraiser.
Brandon NeSmith describes his girlfriend as a survivor. He said the two are doing the best to salvage what they an.
"She had built a successful career from her home recording booth, a space she longer has access to," he wrote. "This incident has not only rendered her homeless but also threatens her livelihood. To add insult to injury, we are being given four hours to move her out on Thanksgiving Day and looters have raided the building."
To help Konze get back on track, click here.
French teacher's daughter won't have a home to come to this Thanksgiving
The Wimberly family of four is devastated after the fire.
Greg Wimberly said his wife is a French teacher at The Quadrilingual Academy and his daughter is a junior at North Atlanta High School. The two are now working to finish the semester amid the tragedy.
The most heartbreaking part, however, is that his oldest daughter is attending school at Penn State University and has yet to see the devastation herself.
"She's coming home for Thanksgiving and it's our goal to find a place for us to call 'home' before she arrives," he wrote on his fundraising page.
The family was able to get some of their possessions but still have much to replace. People can help them rebuild with this link.
Jennifer, mother of 3
A mother of a 1-year-old and two 19-year-old college students, Jennifer Sequeira, and her children lived on the top.
They rushed out of the apartment with nothing "not even a single diaper for the baby," a woman who identifies as Jennifer's mother wrote on the fundraising page.
"This is a very hard time for my daughter and it's honestly devastating as a mother to see my daughter who's worked so hard to provide for her (three) children on her own lose absolutely everything she has worked for," the fundraiser reads.
The money collected will be used to help the children replaced necessities first. Those who'd like to help can do so here.
Kala Scott, mother of two young boys
A single mom of two young boys, Scott is from Alabama and has little family in the area.
"I moved with my boys from Gwinnett County to Buckhead in hopes for a better education," she said, adding that her boys loved their new school. Now, all they have are the clothes on their backs.
She's heartbroken that her boys are experiencing this loss.
"I am devastated," she said. "Not because we lost everything in the aspect of materialism, but due to my innocent boys having to experience this type of loss caused by someone's negligence."
Scott is hoping to raise funds to find shelter before colder temperatures move in and to give her boys some semblance of a holiday. season. People can contribute here.
Displaced twice: Taylor Adkins
In a fundraiser started by someone identified as a close friend Ada Chong, the description said that apartment resident Taylor Adkins is forced to rebuild for the second time this year.
Last Christmas, Adkins' apartment was victim to the extreme freeze that caused pipes around metro Atlanta to burst, causing irreparable water damage to some homes. Not even 11 months later, and Adkins' home was destroyed by the fire.
"Taylor is too humble to ask for any help, so I wanted to lift her spirits and try to help her recover some of the things she'd lost," Chong wrote in the fundraiser's description. The money will help Adkins replace necessities like furniture and clothes. People can contribute to the fund here.
Sisters Hannah and Sara Young
Young women who worked and pursued higher education, a family member started a fundraiser to help the siblings get back on their feet.
"The fire left them with nothing but the clothes on their backs, and they lost all their personal belongings and cherished possessions," according to the fundraiser's description.
The fundraiser has almost reached its goal. People can help the siblings out by contributing here.
Fire destroys Rain's home
Rain and her dog Nala weren't home when the fire broke out - but now they have no home to go to.
Her mother, identified on the campaign as Monica Davila, said that Rain didn't want to start a fundraiser.
"But as her mother, I am compelled to do everything in my power to support her during this difficult time. Rain has always been a selfless individual, caring for others and spreading positivity in her personal and professional life as an Oncology nurse," the fundraiser's description reads.
Her mom is working to help Rain replace some of her items. People can help out here.
Brandon Marshall loses home, but not his dog
Marshall describes the shock of his apartment building catching fire and losing everything he possesses.
"Things were lost that money can't even buy," he wrote. "Memories, pictures, achievements, family heirloom, absolutely devastated."
Thankfully, he said, kind people were able to save his dog from the fire.
People who'd like to donate and help him get back on his feet can contribute here.
Diego Serna: sowing machines, heirlooms lost
An artist in his own right, Serna said he is lucky to have left with the clothes on his back and his car.
However, the way he makes a living was lost to the fire - including sentimental equipment.
"That means all my bare necessities along with costumes, performance equipment, art work and the hardest of all - my sewing machines which weren't only my tools, but the machines my late mother taught me how to sew on," he wrote on his fundraiser.
He said he's grateful that all tenants are safe and sound and is optimistic about the uncertain future.
There's no price on what help looks like, he said, and emphasized that he's overwhelmed and grateful for the help he's received thus far. People who'd like to contribute to his efforts to piece his life and career back together can do so here.
Chris' rebuilding fund
Family members started a fundraiser for their cousin, Chris, who has "faced an unimaginable tragedy that has left him with nothing but the clothes on his back."
Describing Chris as a hardworking man with dreams and aspirations, he was pursuing a brighter future. With no insurance to cover his losses, family said in the campaign's description that he is truly starting from scratch.
Funds will help him find a new place to live, replace clothing, furniture and kitchenware and help cover any immediate expenses such as temporary housing, transportation and medical needs that have arisen from the fire.
"Your generous support will not only provide him with the physical means to start over, but it will also offer him a ray of hope, reminding him that compassion and kindness exist in the world," the fundraiser's description read.
Bakh Pearl and friends
In a fundraiser meant to help several people, Bakh Pearl describes themselves as a former tenant of the apartment complex.
"I'm devastated and heartbroken by these unfortunate circumstances never Have I ever thought I'd live to see such loss," Pearl wrote. "I'm trying to raise money to help get us and my friends get back on track!"
People can help the roommates here.
Dorian and Janee lived on top floor
The two described the night as an unknowing tragedy, leaving them shocked that they're in this position.
"We were awaken out of our sleep the sounds of banging on the door and the constant shrieking of alarms," the campaign read. "Confused but compliant, we grabbed out dog and followed the rush of other confused neighbors."
They thought it was a random false alarm, according to the fundraiser's description, and took in the discomfort standing outside in the cold. When minutes turned into hours, and smoke turned into full sized lames, they knew they all that they owned would be lost in the "blazing inferno of hopelessness."
"Since we lived on the top floor, we watched the entirety of our lives get destroyed in real time right before out eyes, leaving us with absolutely nothing," they said.
Any contribution is considered a blessing during these trying times.
Keshaun Jones: Single father of three
A third grade teacher and father of three children, Jones said it is with a heavy heart that he is leaning on the community.
Describing it as a "life altering loss," Jones said he's determined to provide his children with stability and comfort.
"Their safety and well-being are my top priorities," he said in the fundraiser's description. "Finding a new home is not just about having a roof over our heads; it is about restoring a sense of normalcy and giving them the stability they need to continue their education and pursue their dreams."
Jones said every donation, no matter the size, brings his family one step closer to rebuilding their lives.
"Thank you, from the bottom of my heart," he said.
Kenneth Shenery planned on moving soon
Shenery, along with his girlfriend and a roommate, said the loss the three have endured "is immense."
"All our clothes, furniture, and recently purchased items for our new apartment were destroyed," he said, adding he lost $10,000 worth of camera equipment, which were his source of income.
His roommate, an artist, and his girlfriend, a lash technician, also lost all of their business equipment.
"As we navigate through this challenging time, we are also actively searching for a new apartment. I lost my forms of identification, which has been making the process of finding a new home very complicated."
Shenery said donations are appreciated and he welcomes any resources that can help in their recovery.
1-year-old displaced before her birthday
Started by a friend, a fundraiser describes Brooklynn's lost as unimaginable.
Brooklynn and her 1-year-old daughter lived at the complex. Now Brooklynn is left trying to find a new home for her daughter just before her second birthday on Nov. 14.
"They lost absolutely everything and they were able to get away safely," the friend, identified as Racquelle Murphy wrote. "If there is anything you can do, we will forever be thankful. May God return it to you ten folds."
People can contribute to the online fundraiser here.
Alyssa, Elijah and their silver lining
A couple who also lost everything and sharing appreciation that matters aren't worse.
"The silver lining is that we, along with our beloved cats, emerged unharmed - and for that we are truly grateful," Alyssa Greene wrote on her online fundraiser.
The pair are hoping to raise enough funds to find a new home and stability. The cats and the couple appreciate any donation made to their rebuilding fund.
Help Lanz get back what he's lost
A friend has started a fundraiser to help Lanz, a resident of the complex.
According to the fundraiser, Lanz was out of town on vacation during the fire.
"Let's help lessen the burden for him to get back what was tragically taken from him," the fundraiser's description reads.
People can donate to the cause here.
Dylan's home burned
Dylan Smith, described by a friend as a resident at the complex, lost everything in the fire.
"Please help Dylan rise through the ashes by donating," the fundraiser said in the campaign's description.
People can help by clicking here.
Roof caves in on Matt and Sammy's apartment
Started by Matt's sister, a campaign is raising funds for him and his friend who lived on the third flood of the complex.
"Matt and his roommate and good friend Sammy live on the third floor and unfortunately the building caved in onto their apartment and it appears that everything inside was destroyed," Sophia Lewis, who identifies herself as Matt's sister said. "Luckily everyone was safe including Matt and Sammy's cats."
People can help the two get back on their feet by making a donation to their online fundraiser.
Kayla Carter lost memories of her brother
A resident of the complex, Carter is devastated by this tragic turn of events.
"I lost every possession I owned," she said on her online fundraising page. "Memories of my brother; pictures of friends; personal keepsakes; I am absolutely devastated. I have never asked for help but I need it now."
Raising funds to find temporary housing, she's asking for donations for those who can spare the extra funds and, more importantly, prayers.
People who'd like to help can do so here.
Ty Stallings' first apartment catches fire
After losing her father five months ago, Stallings said they also lost everything in the first apartment they ever lived in.
"Not only did I lose everything, I lost a piece of my heart which was the sentimental things my dad left behind after his passing on June 24, 2023," she explained in her fundraiser.
Stallings is asking for donations as they work to rebuild necessities.
"Even if you are unable to give, your simple prayer is still valuable," the fundraiser's description read.
People can contribute to the fundraiser here.
Sound of fireworks signaled trouble: Help Ethan and Ash
Ethan Manotas has started a fundraiser for himself and his roommate Ash.
Manotas describes laying in bed Friday night when he heard fireworks going off. When he got up 15 minutes later, the fire alarm went off and when he looked outside he saw people frantically running and firefighters ordering evacuation.
"God bless we got our cats out, but other than that we left with the clothes on our back and our two purses, fully expected this was going to be a 30 minute ordeal and we would be back home in no time," Manotas explained in the fundraiser's description.
That was not the case - and that's why Manotas is reaching out to the community for help.
"Me and Ash (are) keeping our heads high in this tough time knowing that this is all in God's plan, but we are at ground (zero) right now," he said.
Beyond donations, the two said they are accepting resources like old home appliances, furniture or anything that could help them get past this. They've left contact information in their fundraiser.
Assistance for Jai Tee
A loved one started a campaign for "Jai Tee," to some he's known as Justin.
"Regardless of how you know him, all know that he is a person with a heart of gold and a child of God," the fundraiser said.
Adding that he runs a digital company and has lost all of his equipment, loved ones are asking people to donate to his assistance fund.
"The feeling is overwhelming to lose all that you have worked so hard for but we are so thankful for his life," the description read.
Rally around Janée
Started by her best friend, the community is asked to rally around Janée to help her and the other residents get through this tragic time.
"The fire not only took away her home but also many cherished possessions and memories," her best friend Whitney Kerney said in a fundraiser.
The campaign will go directly to Janée, according to the fundraiser, as she works to find stability.
"Your support means the world to her and we are grateful for any help you can provide during this challenging time," Kerney said. "Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and generosity!!"
People can make a contribution to the campaign here.
Couple loses wedding decor, momentos
Grace and Bryson lived on the top story of the apartment building, describing how the fourth and third floors quickly went up in flames before collapsing.
"Nothing is recoverable," the couple said. "Aside from precious items I had from my deceased dad we lost an unimaginable amount of personal items that made up our home, including a lot of our wedding items"
The two have shifted their wedding planning to rebuild in the meantime. Those who'd like to help them during this time can donate here.
Vince Leija fire recovery
A resident of the top floor, Leija said within an hour the top two stories collapsed.
"I lost an unimaginable amount of personal items that made up my home, including a lot of our family photos of my mom," Leija said.
Relying on prayer and the grace of those who can offer support, Leija is relying on fire recovery funds to get through this tough time.
Photos | LaVista Walk Apartments fire
Colleagues collecting funds for Ivan Pereida
Ivan Pereida and his roommates lived in the Brookhaven/Buckhead apartment complex, according to the fundraiser, and lost all of their personal belongings in the fire.
"If we can all band together for our dear colleague to help in this time of need and support by sending prayers, and to assist financially where you're able, it would be greatly appreciated," the fundraiser's description read.
People can donate using this link.
Mother and daughter working on next move
Tonya Eggleston and her daughter Kirsten used to live at the apartment complex and are now taking temporary shelter in a hotel.
"Fortunately, I was the only one home and my daughter was safe at work at the time of the fire," Eggleston wrote.
She said the two have not gained access to their vehicles are working to relocate. Those who'd like to donate to their fundraiser can do so here.
Sisters displaced
Loved ones are raising funds for Nike (Nyoko) and her sister Lola. The siblings lost all of their belongings in the fire and, according to the fundraiser, are working to at least find necessities to get by including food and clothes.
"With all their humility, they did not want to bother anyone for help but we still felt the need to help our sisters out because they deserve to be uplifted during this holiday season," the description read.
Those who'd like to help can make a donation here.