An Important Update from We Rise: Fire Incident at Our E. Federal St Properties

Dear Valued Partners and Constituents of We Rise,

We will not be deterred. In the face of adversity, our resolve remains unshaken. A major disruption at our We Rise housing development occurred early morning, on Monday, October 16 – we received alarming news that a neighboring vacant house had caught fire. This house is situated adjacent to one of our development properties, which was in the final stages of remodeling, with 90% completion. This property has played a crucial role in hosting our workshops and program curriculum, serving as the central hub and headquarters for our operations.

The fire required the fire department's intervention, resulting in damage to our property, including the need to breach our roof and windows. While the damage is substantial, we are immensely grateful that no injuries were reported. We met with the affected neighbor, and it was heartening to see their willingness to collaborate on rebuilding our houses.

This incident, undoubtedly, has been both unexpected and challenging. The initial report did not reveal the cause of the fire, but the neighbor had been vigilant in keeping squatters away from the vacant house, even though we had secured it with boards.

In light of this recent fire at our properties on E. Federal St, our team is actively engaged in assessing the extent of the damage, coordinating necessary repairs, and prioritizing the safety of our properties and the surrounding community. While this incident has been challenging, we want to assure you that it will not deter We Rise's mission or our ongoing success in the realm of our housing project.

We Rise is a team and family of resilience, determination, and commitment. We have always been dedicated to supporting the youth of our community and creating pathways to personal and professional growth. Despite the setback caused by this fire, our commitment to these goals remains unwavering – this incident only strengthens our resolve to continue this important work.

We will keep you updated on the progress of the recovery efforts. In the meantime, we want to thank you for your unwavering support and for being a part of the We Rise community. Together, we will continue to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the young individuals we serve.

Thank you for your commitment to our mission.