Neighbors, friends raise money to help displaced tenants of South Side fire
Jared Murphy and his girlfriend were about to drive across the Birmingham Bridge to get to the South Side when they saw huge clouds of smoke.
“I live near there so I thought it might be my apartment,” said Murphy.
It wasn’t his place, but someone he knew lived there. The historic 150-year-old building on East Carson Street was home to Murphy’s friend, Aaron Sett. Sett lost everything. Part of the building collapsed Monday. The rest is being demolished.
“It is so unfortunate,” Murphy said. “You leave for work and come home and your place is ash.”
Murphy, 23, a Westchester native and Point Park University graduate, got home and he went to his closet. He lives a block away from the fire.
“I gathered some clothes Aaron might need,” Murphy said. “But I wanted to do more.”
Murphy, who has a photojournalism degree, works part time as a valet for William Penn Parking. He decided to sell prints of his photos to raise money for his friend and, he hopes, other displaced residents. After posting the sale on social media, he sold five prints in the first few hours. They can be purchased here for between $35 and $40.
Hey everyone, my friend lived in the building in South Side that burnt down yesterday. I’m having a sale on all my prints on my website and will be donating all the proceeds to him and the other tenants. Thanks in advance for anyone who can help out! https://t.co/TCjz9HaXYM
— Jared Murphy (@_JaredMurphy_) February 9, 2021
“I thought instead of just asking for money that if people are also getting a print for their wall, they might want to donate,” said Murphy, who met Sett last summer through Daily’s sister.
“It’s such an unfortunate situation, especially during a pandemic,” Murphy said. “It’s about helping your neighbor. We live in Mister Rogers’ neighborhood so it’s important to care about your neighbors.”
Sett is thankful.
“Jared gave me a big duffel bag full of clothes, which has really helped,” said Sett, who is staying with another friend. “He’s got a really big heart. I have been so overwhelmed by the goodness of so many people. It’s really touching. The one bright spot is I realize I have so many people in my corner.”
Sett, 23, is happy everyone is safe. The Denver native came to Pittsburgh to attend the University of Pittsburgh and compete in the distance events for the swim team. An accountant for a transportation company, he was at work when the fire started.
Sett moved into the building in September. The only thing he has left are the clothes on his back and his computer and phone.
Sett said his wish is to be able to share the financial support he is being given with other residents of the building. There are six apartments.
“It was the perfect location and a beautiful building,” Sett said. “I thought about showing my kids someday this historic landmark. And now, it is gone.”
Sett said Murphy’s photos are amazing.
Murphy said he enjoys shooting breaking news photos and sports and feature images, but his favorite pictures are those of natural landscapes. His images are taken from hiking and camping in scenic places. Photos for sale include Grand Canyon National Park, Zion National Park and White Sands National Park.
They will be printed on 9x12 fine art paper with a ¼-inch white border.
There is a GoFundMe campaign for Sett as well as other residents. A GoFundMe has been set up for J’s Master Barbershop that was on the first floor.
General manager Jennifer Butler of Ocean Treasures in Ross and Monroeville started a GoFundMe page to help two workers, Willis Hurt and Evan Russell, displaced by the fire.
“We are a small, locally owned business and our employees are our family,” said Butler. “We want to help them get back on their feet.”
Butler said it is extra difficult because it happened during a pandemic. They moved in a month ago.
“They can’t catch break,” Butler said. “Willis had heart surgery and his heart monitor was in the apartment. Evan’s mom died recently and her ashes and photo were there. Those are things that can’t be replaced. “
When these things happen they really make you think about what’s most important, Murphy said.
“The only upside to the situation is no people or pets were inside at the time of the fire,” Murphy said. “You can replace material things but you can’t replace someone’s life.”
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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