Harris House Fire

On the morning of April 7th, my childhood home, the home my mother worked two, sometimes three, jobs to keep over our heads, burned down with my mother, sister, niece, and brother inside. Luckily, my brother was able to safely remove my mother, niece, and puppy from the home before they suffered any injuries. Unfortunately, my sister suffered from smoke inhalation and had to be hospitalized. Although my family tried to put the fire out before it fully engulfed their porch and entire home, they could not contain it.

My mom purchased our home in 2000, entirely on her own as a complete single mom through and through. Throughout the years, the home housed many teenagers who “ran away” after a fight with their parents, people who just needed somewhere to go, and of course our family and friends we would’ve done anything for.

Our home was the center of some of the most fun, extravagant parties and also the place to go to play cards on a Friday night and the place to eat the most delicious, classic, Italian Sunday dinner- homemade sauce and meatballs. Our home became the summer hangout where children and adults alike would come over and enjoy our oblong shaped pool that you couldn’t help glancing at every time you drove by.

My mom absolutely took a house and made it a home. The house was a symbol of my mothers independence, hardwork, determination, and love. The house was not even done being built, but my mom bought it to give us a roof over our heads and finish it with us. Over the years, my mom’s disability inhibited her from maintaining the house like only she could with the most immaculate interior and gorgeous garden that once was. Nonetheless, my mom loved the home she was able to provide for us.

My mother, sister, brother and niece have been left with absolutely nothing besides the clothes on their back. My mom doesn’t even have a cell phone at this moment in time to be in contact with the necessary agencies. My mom, sister, and brother did not want any charity or hand outs, but they have absolutely nothing. No toothbrushes, no phone charger, no socks-nothing. We are looking for women’s clothing in sizes 2XL and 3XL, men’s XL/32 pants, and 5T girl clothing. Any and all donations are incredibly helpful and appreciated. Please reach out to me via Facebook, Instagram, phone call, or text message to arrange a day and time for me to pick up any and all donations. Thank everyone in advance for your thoughts, prayers, phone calls, help, and kindness during this time.