A Request to Support the Folkes Family's New Beginning

Co-organized

Jo Ann Hollimon and 2 others are organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

On August 15, 1973, a new story began to be written upon the walls of 5658 South Hermitage Avenue, Chicago, IL 60636. Matthew (1918-2008) and Annie Folkes (1934-2012), became the proud owners of a property that turned into a home. Four generations of a family's heritage, once sealed within the walls, now suddenly smoldered away into the currents of a night's wind. A fire just needs a spark to live, the room to breathe, and a path to grow.

On Thursday, February 6, 2025, around 3 A.M., a fire started within the home, quickly blanketing the entire top floor. Awakened by the pungent smell of smoke that slithered between the walls, as if in a race to get to the basement before the fire took over, husband and wife rush to get out to safety. Upon exiting their home, the reflection of orange and amber lights flickered from the glass of the door that led to the top floor. It was no question, their home was in flames, a family home thought to be around for more sleepovers with grands and more stories to share.

Emergency calls to first responders, children, family, and friends happened within minutes. Standing on icy ground in the cold, winter February of Chicago, all that could be done is watch and pray and give words of gratitude to the neighbors that gifted blankets and coats for warmth. Hours passed and the fire was finally put out. The strenuous efforts of the firefighters and authorities will never be forgotten, nor will the kindness and gentle words of members with the Red Cross, the generous lending of resources and hospitality from close associates, family, and friends.

What now stands is a shell of devastation. In prayer, we draw even closer to our Heavenly Father, Jehovah God, for strength, peace, and wisdom. At Isaiah 30:15, we are encouraged and reminded with these words, "...Your strength will be in keeping calm and showing trust.” The physical walls of a home have been erased, charred, smothered, or broken, but we rest on the spiritual walls built over time to further cement our connections and bonds. Spiritual walls can never be torn down; they have their own stories of courage, endurance, and love. With what is left, they move forward to a new chapter, saying good-bye to items passed down, replacing clothing, furnishings, and books, and creating new memories for tomorrow. But the acknowledgement is that help is needed.

Naturally, the whispers of, "Thank goodness for insurance" release into the air, and, ideally, insurance would be the cushion to fall back on. Unfortunately, during the time of the fire, they were in search of a better and more affordable plan, thinking there was time to find what would work. With heads shaken and low, there are not enough words to encompass the disappointment. We humbly reach out for assistance in updating and bringing to code the smaller back house, also known as the coach house, which has been a slow renovation project over the years.

WHAT WE KNOW NEEDS TO BE DONE:

New wiring
New flooring
New windows
Kitchen repairs
Construction permits
Hiring of licensed contractors
Hiring a Structural Engineer
Cost of labor
Safe appliances
New furnace
New water heater
Gas connection
Electric connection
Hiring Fire/Water Damage crew for main house

Because the back house has been vacant for many years, this is WHAT WE DON'T KNOW:

Mold inspections
Asbestos inspections
Lead paint inspections

No donation amount is too small. And if you are unable to donate, please know that the prayers of many truly make a difference and they, too, are helping through this difficult time. The urgency now is the reality for bringing this project to a livable space for solid walls and a safe, new home. We thank you!

We continue to speak with contractors for estimates and affordable suggestions, and we request aid, please, in this regard, in completing their new home. With fervent prayer, we strive for peace of mind and we give thanks for everyone that has been praying along with us and helping in any way that they can.

We ask that this is shared with those seeking to help, but please not shared to bombard and overwhelm others. Thank you.

Philippians 4:6,7 "...in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus."

If walls could talk, they would be the historians of our lives and the transcribers of our diaries and biographies; they would be the family's pet whisperer, the babysitter, the recorder of songs and of dances; they would be the keeper of secrets, our confidante, and the treasurer of cherished memories.

If walls could talk, they would brace the armor of our pains and bear the brunt of our wounds; they would police the disagreements and become the mediators for peace. Our homes embody our everything, a timeline of beginnings, in-between happenings, and the goodbyes that are ribboned with hopes of a better tomorrow.

If walls could talk, they would reveal the very fiber of life, that is family, what love is, and what love is not. Every family is different and every home has its walls scented, impressed, and archived with many stories to tell.

Sincerely and with gracious hearts,

The Folkes Family