NEWS

Habitat families to get new houses after fire

Barrett Lawlis
Reporter

NEWARK - E.J. Thomas was touched by the response of the community after two Habitat for Humanity houses were destroyed by fire last month.

"People were very quick to reach out and help," said Thomas, Habitat president and CEO. "Churches in the area, too, were great at getting clothes for the children of the families and accepting donations."

The two families affected had only recently moved into the homes on Parker Avenue when the fire engulfed the structures on the evening of Jan. 30. Three adults and five children were displaced.

Both families have been relocated to temporary lodging while an investigation continues, Thomas said, adding that there isn't really an alternative for them until the houses can be rebuilt.

"Once we get the final OK to return to the sites, we're planning on returning to the site to demolish what's still standing and rebuild the houses," he said. "We're just waiting on a few evaluations still."

Thomas said the houses will be rebuilt by contractors paid for by the insurance money, which he believes will be enough to cover the cost, but he can't say for sure.

"When there are 3,000 hours of volunteer work put into a house, that really stretches the build time," he said. "We want to get these people back into their homes as soon as possible."

Newark Division of Fire Chief Pat Connor said the fires are still under investigation.

"Our fire marshal is working with the families and the insurance companies in the investigation," he said. "There have been a lot of players to consider and try to get into one room."

The fire was reported after 10 p.m., and it spread from the first house, at 36 Parker Ave., to the next.

Multiple departments arrived on the scene, but they were hindered by a downed electrical wire.

In the immediate aftermath of the fire, the Phoenix Emergency Fund was set up to assist the family with expenses the insurance company wouldn't cover. However, it is no longer as urgent as it was right after the event, Thomas said.

"There was money that was put into the account," he said. "The families have enough to last them for now, but people can still donate if they'd like to."

The three Whit's Frozen Custard locations in Licking County will be collecting donations for the families from now until Feb. 21.

blawlis@gannett.com

740-328-8822

Twitter: @BarrettLawlis

How to help

People can make donations for the family's Phoenix Fund at www.habitatmidohio.org/ways-to-give/donate-to-habitat/donate-online-now.