TACOMA, Wash. — Business owners along Tacoma's Antique Row are still trying to come up with the money to repair their shattered storefront windows.
Two weeks ago Tacoma police arrested a woman accused of causing thousands in damages to 16 businesses by smashing windows with a hammer.
"It was heartbreaking to see everybody getting hurt," said Nancy Franklin, owner of Dazed & Reused. "I'm going to cry when I think about it."
Franklin said this sad situation has had a silver lining: business owners have been talking, getting to know each other, and coming up with ways to support one another.
The cost of repairs varies from business to business with a low of $2,000 to a high of $15,000. Mary Fleitas, co-owner of Vessel Vintage Collective, said they're right in the middle: their repairs will cost between $7,000 to $8,000. Fleitas said she's been impressed with all the community support.
"It has been outstanding and I knew Tacoma would come out for us and they really have. Small donations have made a big difference," Fleitas said. People with large followings on social media have also been sharing links to the different GoFundMe pages of businesses.
Between GoFundMe and in-person donations, Fleitas said they've almost reached their goal of $7,000. Anything extra, she said, will go toward helping other businesses.
People, unaware of what happened two weeks ago, have made assumptions about what happened.
"Every day someone comes in and is like, 'Oh my god, you guys got all shot up,'" Fleitas said. "No, some lady was having a mental break with a hammer not bullet holes."
As she said from the beginning, Fleitas wants the woman accused of doing all this damage to get mental health help. Fleitas said the woman is well-known in their community.
"Have compassion for all your neighbors even the ones who aren't well and have compassion for small businesses," Fleitas said.
It's a sentiment Franklin shared.
"It's all about compassion and being a community together," Franklin said.
Franklin pointed out many windows that had artwork on them were spared. As repairs are being made, she said it would be a good idea to place art in all the windows to try and prevent another vandal
"As a society, we forget that art brings us together," Franklin said. "It truly does because that's when we're in touch with our hearts."
All the shops vandalized want the community to know they are open for business. Links to their website and social media are below. Details are being hashed out for a Block Party at the end of June to help with fundraising efforts.