By Dafna Berner
On what began as a typical Victoria Day Monday—tragedy struck at the corner of Hughson Street North and Simcoe Street East in Hamilton’s North End.
Multiple families living in a building on that corner started the morning with plans like so many others. But their day took a heartbreaking turn when a fire broke out and quickly engulfed the entire building. The residents were forced to flee for their lives, with no time to save belongings or cherished mementos.
After burning for hours, the fire consumed everything these families owned—heirlooms, photographs, furniture, and the place they called home. In its wake, the fire left only shock, grief, and uncertainty.
Among the displaced are Julia, a single mother well-known in the community for volunteering at local neighbourhood and Bennetto Elementary School events, and her children, Alexandra and Crixus. Also impacted are neighbours Courtney, Denise, and Art, along with other residents of the building. Pets, seniors, families, and roommates—all lost their sanctuary and their connection to each other in a single devastating afternoon.
As firefighters worked well into the evening to ensure the blaze was fully extinguished, the displaced families stood together outside their burning home for what may be the last time, supported by stunned neighbours and the greater North End community.
In the aftermath, these families have been temporarily placed in hotels or shelters, but they are now urgently seeking permanent housing. Some may have to leave the community altogether due to the financial burden of starting over. Others are still too shaken to make any decisions about what comes next.
Now more than ever, our North End family needs to come together. There are tangible ways to help:
Support via GoFundMe:
- For Julia and her children: https://gofund.me/8496f5b1
- For Courtney, Denise, and Art: https://gofund.me/6a978ee0
Please note these are the two GoFundMe’s as of June publishing deadline for the Breezes.
The families would like to express their deepest gratitude to the community for the outpouring of love, support, and donations—clothing, toiletries, food, and heartfelt prayers. Your kindness has reminded them that even in the face of loss, they are not alone. Let us continue to support our neighbours as they begin the long journey to rebuild their lives.
