Portland families who lost everything in apartment fire seek community fundraising

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — It has been one week since the apartment near Northeast 104th Avenue and East Burnside street went up in flames, displacing many of the tenants.

One mother said she and her 5-year-old son and cat were trapped in her apartment and that if it wasn't for the firefighters they might not have gotten out.

"There were a lot of us involved in a really horrible fire, so I wanted to support any way I can," said Caroline Reyes, who escaped from the fire. 

"It was engulfed while we were still inside. So, the main part of the fire was happening while we were trying to find a way out," Reyes said. 

Many of the apartment fire survivors are now relying on the community to get back on their feet. Some are setting up GoFundMe pages, receiving donations, and receiving clothing from friends and family. 

Below is a list of related GoFundMe fundraisers:

• Help Esmerelda’s Family Rebuild After Fire
• Support Byron Perez After Devastating Fire and Surgeries
• Help Find a Home After the Fire

"We have a lot of family and friends in the area, so we've had a lot of support staying with family members," said Reyes. 

The owner and employees of Rollin Fresh food truck are raising money to help their co-worker rebuild and they aren't stopping there.

"So, after we help Esmeralda out as best as possible, then we are going to try to help those other needs that are less fortunate that don't have people to donate, so that's the plan," said the Fundraiser Organizer Torren Taylor.

"You know, gave supplies, gave her food. Also, you know, helped out, financially as well," said Ryan Moy, Owner of Rollin Fresh. 

Forty-year-old Shaun Szwarz has been arrested for allegedly starting the fire. He has pleaded not guilty to several charges, including arson and reckless endangerment.

Portland Fire and Rescue said after Szwarz was indicted on Friday, he is now facing charges that include seven counts of arson, four counts of attempted murder, two counts of first-degree arson, four counts of second-degree arson, two counts of third-degree arson, four counts of bias crime and seven counts of criminal mischief.