My name is Becky Parker and I’ve been working with Rita and her family for 3 months trying to help them get back on their feet after her husband died of Covid and they lost their home - before losing a 2nd home to a house fire a week ago.

https://www.wvtm13.com/article/birmingham-firefighters-rescue-people-trapped-in-burning-home-in-inglenook/45605475

Ms. Rita is 65, raising 7 grandchildren between 3-12. She has an adult autistic son and adult disabled daughter. The family suffered a total loss of their home including recently donated or new clothing, shoes, coats, bedding, blankets, and new beds for all of the children provided by Sleep in Heavenly Peace. The fire took place Saturday night, 10/21. The family’s dogs could not be saved.

Ms. Rita was hospitalized with smoke inhalation and her son with 3rd degree burns. They were released from the hospital a few days ago and are currently living in a storage shed because they have not been able to secure temp housing.

Ms. Rita said she does not have the strength to start over here. Instead she is looking for financial help to fly to California where she can live with her sister until they can find housing. Two nieces and a nephew with children will also be there to help and be positive influences to the young men in this family.

Once she made this decision, I could hear joy in her voice for the first time and literally see a weight lifted off her shoulders.

If you can help, no amount is too small. They would like to fly this Saturday, November 4th before the nights get any colder and so the children can get started in a new school.

Needed most of all is prayers for this family as they begin rebuilding their lives.