Bob & Laurie Cowles House Fire Recovery Fund

Hello family and friends, near and far,

So many of you have reached out and offered your support and asked of any way you could help. Thank you! We appreciate all of your kindness and generosity. So, here‘s where we’re at...

For those we haven’t been able to share the news with:

A little over a week ago, we got the call that Mom and Dad’s house was on fire. It was during the day so fortunately they were awake and able to get out safely. We are grateful to the Harrisville (& surrounding) Volunteer Fire Departments for responding quickly, but it was an electrical fire that started in the walls and spread through the ceiling so it was difficult to put out. After several hours of vigorous efforts and lots of water, the structure still stands but the inside of the house was a total loss. Family and friends dropped what they were doing and came to show their support with love, hugs, tents, water, food, storage trailers and bins, not to mention trudging through the sludgy aftermath to pull out anything that we could try to salvage. Unfortunately, of what was pulled out, there was still so much smoke and water damage that they continue to sort through to see what they can actually use again.

What’s next for them? Well, currently they’re shacked up in a camper parked next to Dad’s work garage and have running water and electricity. I gotta tell you what, they are the most creative, resourceful people and are making the most out of the situation. They’ve got an outdoor kitchen under the protection of a plywood enclosed lean to. They’ve even set up extra tables and chairs out in front of the camper for visitors, so be sure to stop on by!

There’s a lot still overwhelming and uncertain for them, but here’s the first steps for what we’re hoping to do with any donations:

We would like to get what’s left of the house taken down and removed from the property. We would also like to contact a company to come help clean and sanitize any of the clothing, bedding, etc. because if you’ve ever experienced a house fire you know the smell does not come out in regular wash.

Winter will be coming soon up here and they will not be able to stay in the camper. So, the sooner we can get the debris removed, the sooner they can move forward and start rebuilding.

It feels weird to ask for money, but we’ve had so many of our family and friends ask about donations and what they can do to help so we thought this would be the best way. We truly appreciate all of you who have already reached out and anyone who can help in this way - no amount is too small.

Thank you,

Curtis & Sarah