Responding to Tragedy
On July 5, 2014 a fast-moving three-alarm fire took the lives of four children in Southwest Philadelphia. Firefighters were called to the 6500 block of Gesner Street at 2:00 am. The flames from the fire engulfed four dwellings. It took four hours for fire fighters to gain control of the situation. It was only at this time that the firefighters were able to search the homes. During their search, they discovered the bodies of a one-month-old baby boy, a four-year-old boy and four-year-old twin girls.
Project HOME joined the entire city of Philadelphia to mourn the loss of these four precious innocent children. During an inspiration meeting at St. Elizabeth’s Recovery Residence, some of the residents came up with the idea to reach out to the families in their time of need. A car wash was suggested, and in no time, the residents began to plan for the event.
St. Elizabeth’s residents organized the car wash and provided service with a smile. The car wash was held behind the Honickman Learning Center and Comcast Technology Labs. For a couple of hours, on a hot steamy August day, the driveway buzzed with assembly line activity. The resident volunteers paid extra attention to the details of cleaning a car that one does not receive at a car wash. The Project HOME community came out in full force to support this special fundraiser.
On Friday, September 5, St. Elizabeth’s residents Robert Ealey and Carlton Frye visited the two families to offer condolences on behalf of Project HOME and present the money raised by the car wash. (In the photo above, Robert is on the right, visiting family members.) Robert and Carlton said, “Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…our thoughts are with your families during this difficult time.” Robert and Carlton had the opportunity to explain the core mission of Project HOME, along with information related to housing, opportunities, medical and education.
The families shared memories, stories, and their experiences with us. They expressed their gratitude and happiness that the Project HOME took time to visit them, pay their respects, and do what they could to make a difference.
