Fundraisers Launched For Feline And Human Victims Of 15th And Church Fire

Fundraisers Launched For Feline And Human Victims Of 15th And Church Fire

Photo via GoFundMe

Rose Garrett
Published on February 28, 2015

One week ago, a fire broke out at Church and 15th streets, displacing members of at least six homes and injuring an orange tabby cat named Otter. Now, at least two fundraising campaigns have been established to come to the aid of those affected by the fire.

According to Mission Local a two-unit condo at 1983 - 1985 15th St. and a four-unit, three story apartment building at 301 Church St. suffered the most damage, though a third building on the southwest corner of the intersection was also affected.

The past month has seen a rash of building fires, including a high-profile fire on January 28th in the Mission that displaced over 50 residents, a January 29th fire in the Tenderloin that displaced 18, and a January 31st blaze near Alamo Square. Now, as has been the case with the previous three fires, two GoFundMe online campaigns have been set up to collect donations on behalf of the victims. 

One campaign aims to help local resident Lauren Lederman, who works as a barista at the Castro Philz Coffee location on 18th Street, and her partner Blair. Lauren's house on 15th and Church was severely burned, and "she is not allowed to enter her house and try to salvage what is left," per the campaign.

"Landlords are not responsible for housing renters after fires," notes the GoFundMe page. "After the loss of everything they own they now must relocate, pay legal fees, and replace all belongings ... please help Lauren and her sweetheart make it through these difficult times."

Launched on February 24th, the effort has thus far raised $1,950 of its $10k goal.

Another campaign, launched a few days earlier on February 21st, has seen an influx of donations for feline victim Otter and his owner Jon, whose apartment was among those affected by the fire. "He lost his belongings, but there’s a cause more dear to his heart—his cat Otter suffered from smoke inhalation and has severe trauma to his lungs," reads the appeal. Thanks to supporters, who've contributed almost $18k of the $20k sought to cover veterinary bills, Otter is now anticipated to make a full recovery.

Do you know of any further fundraising efforts or opportunities to help those affected by this fire? Let us know in the comments.