News Reports

Tuesday, September 13, 2005

Family of seven homeless after La Quinta fire

Seven people are homeless tonight after a dryer caught fire and destroyed their La Quinta home. Now, some local volunteers are stepping in to help.

A gallon of milk on the counter is the only thing that hasn't been completely charred in this house fire. The refrigerator is still open a crack this family was probably going about their Monday afternoon routine when their clothes dryer caught fire.

The family, including a one month old baby, was able to get out, but the fire left them with nothing.

One day after the fire, the owner of the home arrived to pick up the mail, and take one last look at the damage, but was too upset to speak with NewsChannel 3.

The family lost almost all of their belongings.

But like they do with hundreds of other Riverside County families each year, American Red Cross volunteers stepped in to help.

“Who's taking care of the client who isn't hurt? Who is sitting on the curb watching all they own go up in smoke?” said Steven Sisk with the American Red Cross.

The Red Cross is assisting this family with food and clothing, and will continue to do so, as long as they need the help.

It's a service the Red Cross is proud to provide, though they admit many people don't realize they come to the help of more than just hurricane victims.

“For this family it's just as devastating, they lost everything, all of a sudden . . . It's devastating, it's as devastating as being in New Orleans.”

And while it may be months before this La Quinta family has a home again, they can sleep a little easier knowing one local charity is there to help.