Maya Rivera

By Zak Failla From Daily Voice

Mayra Rivera lost it all overnight — her home, her belongings, her sense of safety — when a man allegedly set fire to her building. 

Now, her community is rallying to raise her up again.

Between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7, an intentionally set fire swept through the apartment building where Rivera lived. 

The suspect — Floyd Rich V — was arrested by the Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Office, according to fire officials. 

He now faces charges including first-degree arson, malicious destruction of property, and reckless endangerment.

One occupant was rushed to a hospital with “serious but not life-threatening injuries,” authorities said. 

A number of residents — including Rivera — were displaced, with the American Red Cross stepping in to help.

Now, it's the community's chance to assist their neighbor, who escaped the blaze with nothing but the clothes on her back.

Her apartment, officials said, is a total loss — smoke, water, and structural damage destroyed everything: clothes, shoes, furniture, kitchen items, bedding, personal essentials, records, and sentimental keepsakes.

Rivera is 60-plus years old and has spent her life quietly working and raising her family. Her daughters, grandchildren, and a community that barely knew her — but sees only a woman in need — are stepping up.

A GoFundMe started by Erika Sosa, titled “Help Mayra Rebuild After a Devastating Arson Fire”, is collecting money to help Rivera get back on her feet. 

The funds will go toward temporary housing, first month’s rent, security deposit, clothes, toiletries, household essentials, bedding, kitchen basics — everything she lost — and to replace important documents and IDs.

Friends who know Rivera say she’s the kind of person who never asks for help. 

She is described as a loving mother of three daughters, a proud grandmother, and a hard-working woman who always turned to family first. 

Now, through no fault of her own, she’s starting over from scratch.

Every dollar — even one — helps. It could be the difference between ending up back on the street or finding a new place to call home.

“Thank you for opening your heart and standing with Mayra," Sosa said. "Together, we can give her more than donations — we can give her hope, safety, and a new beginning.”