Ayer Home Stayed In Family For 70 Years, Now Community Helps Them Heal From Its Loss

A devastating fire ruined the home of an elderly veteran who lived with his daughter, her husband, and their three young boys, but the family's community is showering the family with emotional and financial support.

The building housed six people who are now receiving an outpouring of support.
Photo Credit: *GoFundMe / "Ayer Family Home Devastated by Fire"*

Morgan Gonzales

03/30/2023 4:27 p.m.

The two-and-a-half story-home, located at 20 Wright Road, sustained heavy damage from the fire that broke out at approximately 8:30 a.m. on Monday, March 27, as reported by Daily Voice.

"Flames ripped through the home and quickly engulfed every room," wrote Kazmiera Breest, a cousin of the family. "Luckily my uncle and Pickle the dog got out safely while fire crews from nine different towns got the fire under control. What did not survive the fire is the house and everything inside."

Breest created a GoFundMe fundraiser that received over $17,000 in two days, along with an outpouring of supportive messages.

"Losing a home and possessions shouldn't be something you deal with alone," wrote one of the fundraiser's donors.

Funds raised through the GoFundMe will help the family replace personal items and find temporary housing, Breest said, as they recover from the loss of the home that had been in the family since the 1950s.

Breest asked that anyone interested in donating gift cards, clothing, bedding, stuffed animals, or other items reach out to her.

"Every penny donated will be greatly appreciated," Breest wrote.

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