Fire in Treme Destroys Home and Vehicle

An historic shotgun styled home that had been in Mary McKinnon's family for generations was destroyed in a fire on Tuesday, December 8th, 2020. The fire did not start in that home, but in a blighted property just next door to it. Squatters had been in and out of the property over many years, which had been abandoned since before Hurricane Katrina. Mrs. McKinnon, the 75 year-old homeowner next door, had seen this many times and repeatedly called the city's Department of Code Enforcement to have the structure either better secured or razed. Neither happened, and what she had always feared came to pass: The blighted structure became the source of a conflagration that ultimately claimed both her home and car on that fateful Tuesday afternoon. Yet, despite this, she is more than grateful that her life and that of her visiting daughter were spared that day. While she looks for permanent housing, it will be difficult for her to get about because of the loss of her vehicle, and she is on a fixed income. In addition to shelter and clothing, a vehicle is urgently needed to get her life back to as close to normal as possible. During this Christmas season, could you please give what you can to support Mrs. McKinnon in trying to get her back on her feet? Thank you so much for your concern and your prayers.