A nearby apartment fire devastates a TJ family, but the community is quick to extinguish the damage and losses.
Photo by Mia Nogueira
TJ Spartan Able Shiferaw moved to Denver from Ethiopia just 10 months ago, along with his parents and two older siblings, and has already experienced an unfortunate event. On October 18th Shiferaw and his family were all getting into their morning routines before school and work, when they heard a neighbor yell “Fire!”
A small fire started in the apartment building on Havana and Dartmouth, which was ignited accidentally from the neighbor in the apartment below the Shiferaw family, and ended up lighting multiple parts of the building on fire. “I was getting ready for school when I heard people yelling, “Fire!” None of my family members heard the fire alarms. We were very fortunate to all get out safely,” said Shiferaw, who has not had any access to the apartment since the fire because of the dangers of asbestos, which are microscopic fibers that can cause harm to the human body when inhaled.
The family has lost almost all of their belongings and they yearn for the irreplaceable items which can not be replaced, such as traditional heirlooms from Ethiopia. “We have been forced to buy all new things, clothes, shoes, school supplies. There are so many things that we will never get back like my mom’s jewelry and traditional things we brought from Ethiopia,” said Shiferaw. TJ students and faculty have all worked hard together to raise money and gather donations to help support the family.
Senior Melissa Acker and Sophomore Allie Cornell took action as soon as they heard news of the disaster. “I have been getting to know Able in U.S. History and it is easy to see he is such a nice and friendly guy. When I heard about the fire I was shocked, and I wanted to show him that even though we haven’t known each other for very long, I still cared and wanted to help,” said Acker, who initiated the fundraising and implemented the motivation to help among the school. Cash donations from students, and bags of clothing and other household items were donated. Sports and clubs all came together and were also involved in raising additional funds.
Teacher Grant Laman, who was immediately inspired and impressed by the vigorously determined students – with the help of other faculty members – offered to match the funds raised. “I was purely inspired by the students because they decided to help on their own. I thought if the students could rally up to support our community, then the teachers can too,” said Laman, who with the help of other teachers, was able to match the students’ funds.
TJ Social Worker, Samanda Davis reached out to parents and the community and was able to receive many donations and raising nearly $1,000, which was given to the family in gift cards. TJ Parent and Alumni Kendra Black was involved in finding people outside of the community to help and reach out to the family. “The family is so appreciative and thankful and are always hugging everyone when given all these helpful gifts,” said Black.
Even though this disaster has been inflicted upon the Shiferaw family, they are able to gather strength among the ashes. “It is unfortunate that this has happened to us so early on, but we still have many opportunities here for us. It could have been much worse, and all that matters is that my family is okay,” said Shiferaw.
The Family continues to be surrounded by the people who care for them and have had a special visit from Able’s sister who lives in Ethiopia. They are currently living in another apartment in the same compound and have received over $500 from TJ’s efforts and continue to see donations. Anyone interested in offering further support and donations to the family can contact TJ Social Worker Samanda Davis at Samanda_Davis@dpsk12.org or call at 720-423-7072.
