Winter can be a perilous time for homeowners, struggling to keep their dwellings warm amidst the freezing temperatures and onslaught of snow. In fact, the U.S. Fire Administration estimates that winter home fires account for eight percent of all fires in the United States annually, leading to $2 billion in property loss each year. In an instant, a faulty boiler, space heater or cooking equipment can set a home ablaze, suddenly reducing years of memories to ash. It is a tragedy that can affect anyone at any time.
Such was the case for Lisa*, a single mother of seven children living in Mastic Beach. In 2017, with just two days until Christmas, the home she rented caught fire, sending her family into chaos—jumping from second story windows, scrambling for safety and trying to salvage the few items they could carry in their arms. Fortunately, every member of the family was able to make it out alive and unharmed, but in a matter of minutes, their home was engulfed in flames. Though firefighters did all they could, by the end of night, all that remained of the family’s possessions were the clothes on their backs.
Lisa’s fire was the top story on the evening news, and the community responded with a fury. Perhaps inspired by the Advent season, the family—now living in a hotel room—was flooded with restaurant gift cards, blankets and clothing from their neighbors in Mastic Beach. It was then that Lisa was first introduced to Michelle and Ron, two Vincentians from St. Jude Conference, who explained to her the mission of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Long Island, and reminded Lisa that although her situation seemed dyer, she had a strong network of people in her community that were there to support her.
With help from the Department of Social Services in Suffolk County, Lisa’s family was able to find an apartment in the new year. But as time moved on and the news of their family tragedy died down, Lisa felt the support of the community waning. While she was grateful to have a roof over her family’s head, she struggled to replace all of the items that had been lost in the fire. Remembering her warm conversation with Michelle and Ron, Lisa called the Conference at St. Jude for help.
Shortly thereafter, the Conference was able to provide Lisa and her family with a whole host of home furnishings, including beds, sofas, tables, dishes and kitchenware. But more than that, Michelle and Ron recognized how traumatic the fire had been for Lisa and her family, who were still struggling to cope with the loss of their old home and their irreplaceable family heirlooms. More than anything, Lisa recalls being thankful for Michelle and Ron’s unwavering emotional support and for allowing her to grieve as they stood by her side.
While a tragedy like a fire can befall anyone, it is only through a strong network of support from friends and neighbors that one can begin to emerge from the ashes. Lisa’s story is a reminder about our Vincentians’ true calling—to recognize the skills and talents with which they have been blessed with and to ease the suffering of our neighbors in need during their most trying times.
*name changed for confidentiality
