Community Unite: Jen's Fire Recovery

A neighbor and good friend, Jennifer Drayton, had a tragic house fire on April 12th, and she and her son lost just about everything.

Around 12:00 pm, Jen got a doorbell notification while working out with her son, Michael, at the gym and saw two passers-by run up to her home, open her front door, and grab her older dog, Frito, while her son's puppy ran out the door and down the street. Immediately, she thought someone had broken in to steal her dogs. After texting multiple neighbors to check on her home, she was informed that her home was on fire and the passers-by had gone into the home to make sure no one was in danger. Thankfully, both dogs were found and unharmed during the disaster.

After a valiant effort by the Lombard Fire Department, the raging fire was finally extinguished, but the damage is extensive.

The fire is perceived to have started outside of the home and traveled up through the chimney and into Jen's primary bedroom and attic. Between the fire and the water damage to the home, it is absolutely uninhabitable, and Jen was forced to walk away with just the clothes on her back, some of her son's clothing, and some sealed dog food.

If you know Jen, you know she's a fighter. She has been through a ton in the last couple of years, and we know she is going to make it through this, too. We are asking for help from the community to cover some of her expenses at this time as she navigates temporary housing, replacing necessities, and the overall damage of rebuilding a home after a fire loss. Jen is a huge part of the Lombard community, having created the popular Facebook group, MOMBARD, and also serving as an original board member of The Outreach House, and now it is our turn to give back in her time of need.