Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
What help is available after losing everything to a house fire with no insurance? We had help with a motel, the Red Cross helped with a money card, but how do we get help to find a home?
Social services and churches can help. I would swallow my pride and notify local tv stations to your plight. They can do a story on you and you will get help and money.
We lost everything in a house fire on June 1st. Insurance still hasn't paid. My daughter is getting ready to steer back to school for her senior year.
She needs clothes and a laptop for online classes. Any suggestions?you can speak out to your social media group or do a facebook fundraiser www.facebook.com/
those are really popular now and ppl actually DO get $, for the randomest stuff sometimes. I imagine you could get at least a couple hundred that way
there's also of course churches and charitable groups, and family members.
best of luck
My home was burned yesterday morning. There is nothing left, but burned memory. I have nothing left. Is there any organization that can help me get shoes or work cloths?
I'm so hurt don't know where to turn.I'm so sorry you're going through this. Please contact the Red Cross. Here is the location finder for your area in particular:
www.redcross.org/
Start with the Red Cross.
www.redcross.org/
They will help you with emergency needs and also help you find more permanent assistance. They have a list of people to contact so call them right away.
I'm sorry to hear. I hope everyone in your household is okay.
Red Cross should help you and assist you. When this situation happened they provided $500 per person. I'm not sure how much now or it may depend on the location. You can also reach out to other organizations in your area by doing a simple search since it varies on location. Also churches are more than happy
I would contact local churches or the Red Cross
My house burnt to the ground two weeks ago. Devastating to know I lost everything I owned. Left with sandals and clothes on my back.
Have no proof of identity, homeless, carless and jobless. Any one know of any help to rebuildDoes anyone have suggestions for where I can find help after a housefire?
Our house burned down and we need help with getting a place to stay. We are in a child's tent and have no food or anything to drink.
We don't have any family that will help us. It's hot in the tent and we both have a health condition.I am a house fire victim in Massachusetts and currently homeless in Connecticut. Do either of these states offer any help?
I would think the Red Cross could help.
Were can we get help after losing everything in a house fire?
Call the American Red Cross for assistance: (866) GET-INFO [(866) 438-4636]
In addition to the Red Cross, churches are also helpful. The superintendent of our district had his house destroyed in a fire.
How long ago did the fire happen? The American Red Cross usually only helps with temporary assistance but can help with temporary shelter, food, clothing, eyeglasses, medicines and some personal hygiene needs.
You may be able to receive some limited help from your local Department of Human Resources and help with getting food stamps and maybe some cash for a limited time.
You can contact any of these groups for information and possible assistance; Department of Social Services, any of your local civic organizations, Salvation Army, or your local church.
I need to know if there are any programs to help us with a new apartment or house, and clothing, etc. We lost everything in a house fire. Please message me if you know anyone or any programs.
I have also been through a house fire. The only programs I know of are the American Red Cross. Did you have insurance?
Are you in the United States?
The Red Cross is good for this. You can also contact local churches.
I am sorry for your loss as I know this can be devastating and does not go away for a long time.
The American Red Cross is always the first line of defense in this kind of situation. Generally they will help with temporary shelter as well as vouchers for food and clothing but this does not last very long you will have to try and find help from local resources.
You may find some organizations if you ask for names that will help someone recover from a house fire and add your zip code.
Some suggestions:
The American Red Cross
Civic organizations
Department of Social Services
Your insurance agency
Nonprofit crisis counseling centers
Religious organizations
Salvation Army
Many churches and thrift stores will give some items and clothing vouchers but not very many can offer any long term solutions.
Emergency food stamps can sometimes be gotten through your local social services agency.
There is always more available if children are involved but maybe you can get help long enough to find something more permanent - contact any relatives or friends that may help for a few days.
You can also place a free article on Craigslist and Freecycle as there are many caring people who will give help to someone who truly needs help.
My house burned down two days ago. I didn't have insurance. I lost everything. Yes it hurts to lose all my material stuff, but the biggest loss was my little dog.
I'm homeless and broken hearted. What do I do now?I would contact a church... any church should help you even if you are not a member. The Salvation Army is one church that is famous for helping others. The American Red Cross will give you vouchers for buying clothing, etc. Once you get settled you might want to think of adopting another little dog. I understand they are not replaceable, but its always good to have a friend, I think. Don't buy a dog. There are many for free wishing for a home. Get advice from a pastor or priest. They will know what to do. I live in Pennsylvania..... if you are over 65, we have wonderful Dept of the Aging in each county. If you are younger, you will need to find a job and get to work. Good luck.
You don't say where you live - in a large city or small town? Ask for help from the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities and at your town hall, your church will help also. Good luck.
I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I had words to ease your pain. Please know that there are caring people on this site who are praying for you. The only idea I can come up with at the time is maybe you can visit a church in your area & explain your dilemma & ask for help. As for your dog companion I am a dog lover also & I can tell you that in due time you will find another dog that needs you as much as you need it there are many rescue dogs longing for someone to love them . God Bless & let us know how you are doing.
I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I had words to take the pain away. Please know that there are caring people on this site who are praying for you. The only thing I can think of at the time is to visit a church in your area, tell them of your dilemma, & ask for help. As for your dog companion, as a dog lover myself I can tell you that in due time you will find another dog who will need you as much as you need it. I know the loss is heartwrenching, keep in mind there are many rescue dogs waiting in shelters who are longing to be loved & cared for & when you are ready the right one will be there for you. God Bless & keep us posted on how you are doing.
I lost everything in my house due to a fire. Where can I get help? I have no where to live.
My neighbor owns an apartment complex that was uninsured when it burned down. Are there any grants available in Texas to help him rebuild?
Does FEMA help or does the Small Business Administration help?My house burned down to the ground. I'm a student attending school at the American Conservatory Theater, a single parent of 3, and currently 4 months pregnant. I'm now homeless, hungry, and only have the clothes on my back. Can anyone please advise where I can find help?
May God bless us all and please have an wonderful & very Happy Holidays.
Is there any help after a fire has damaged property that has no insurance? I am a single father of three who desperately needs help to clean up the smoke damage.
My kitchen caught fire and now the insurance company says that we can't live there for three to four months and that they don't cover our lodging. We desperately need help. We are in a hotel for now, but our money is running out and we'll be homeless tomorrow at 11:00 am.
The Red Cross put my fiancee and me up for a week after we lost everything to a fire May 28th 2017. We have no transportation and nowhere to go after this.
Who can help us out in our situation? We lived in Newport, Tennessee and don't know what to do next. We are in need of immediate help.Where can I find laundry services after a house fire. We do not have money to go to a laundromat?
My house burnt down. I have no money and no where to go. Where can I find help?
The National Counseling On Aging has a free resource site:
www.BenefitsCheckUp.org
This site is a confidential and free and easy resource service to help people 55 years and older locate and apply for benefits. There are numerous financial assistance programs, both public and private, that can help struggling Seniors trying to make ends meet. The site has information on more than 2000 programs. Many are available to anyone in need who qualify, while others are available only to older adults and can help them retain their independence.
Benefit Types:
Food Assistance, Health Care, Prescription Drugs, Utility Assistance, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), low income housing, tax relief, respite care, free legal assistance and many other benefit programs are available.
To use the site, you enter basic information about the person in need-date of birth, zip code, and check boxes for what the person needs assistance with. The site generates a report instantly, listing links to the programs and services that the person may qualify for.
Some assistance programs can be applied for online while other have downloadable form to be printed and mailed, faxed or emailed in, and some require you to contact the program directly.
Benefits Enrollment Center
It is also possible to get help in person at a Benefits Enrollment Center. There are currently 36 centers in 24 states and 12 more will be added in 2016. Visit the online site for locations:
www.NCOA.org/centerforbenefits/becs
I need emergency help ilost my house and everything in a fire and have no insurance cant find help
I have four children ages 9, 2, and twin girls age one. Our home burnt down and we are homeless. Is there any assistance for getting us a home?
By Crystal from Clarksville, IN
Home owners insurance is for that purpose. You might have to find a place to rent. Actually renting is less expensive, because if any repairs need to be made the landlord is responsible and if you rent an apartment you don't have to do yard work, etc.
Try a GoFundMe. Google that. People may just give you money because you really need it.
I kind of think home owner insurance reminders, assuming it was her home, is a moot point right now. My guess is you don't have money for an apt. no matter how little work you have to do for upkeep.
I would call 211, as it helps with other things besides health insurance. Then, call St. Vincents and Salvation Army for assistance. You may have to stay in a shelter for a time, but you and your family will not be cold. If you have family that can and will help, take it. Ask your friends to pitch in and take in the kids for a few days while you have a chance to breath and navigate the next steps.
Contact the local news station and you may be amazed at how many people will help.
I wish you all the luck. PBP
As a general rule the fire department will call the Red Cross if there is fire and children are involved. Did this not happen?
Try the places given for immediate help
but for long term help several questions may have to be answered before anyone will give you assistance:
1) your children are very young but do you work?
2) Where is their father? Does he help financially? if no - why not?
3) How were you paying "rent" before the fire?
4) What kind of state/federal assistance do you receive?
5) Do you own a car? If so - what kind & value and how are you paying for insurance and gas?
Some people may think these are not legitimate questions but if someone wants assistance for "free" then these questions may need to be answered.
The Red Cross will usually provide temporary shelter and they can provide a list of agencies that may be able to help you get back on your feet.
My house burned down and I didn't have homeowners insurance. I'm not concerned about anything other than what is going to happen now? I can't afford to get it torn down; I already have suffered enough loss.
But I'm getting fined for not. What will happen next and what do I do?I need assistance or grants anything to restore our home to a livable condition. I am disabled; who can help me?
My house was burnt to ashes last September and it was not insured. I lost everything except the lives of my kids. I have nothing and I need help to rebuilt it. I am in South Africa, Free State in the city of Welkom.
Thank you.
How do I find help with repairs after a fire? We are trying to finish up the repairs, the contractor ran off and stole our money.
Unfortunately, unless you have insurance or savings, there is little to nothing available in your situation. You can try Habitat for Humanity for possible house building supplies, local agencies that provide housing for homeless people, etc.
If you are a senior, ages vary, there may be assistance from some agencies, but even then, resources are strained and it may take months to receive any benefits.
Is there any way to get the money back from this contractor? Can you take them to small claims court? They must still have a listing somewhere, like the phone book, and a business address.
If you have proof you paid them you should look into it.
Unfortunately, even if you find the contractor to take to small claims court, it is up to you to try to collect whatever the judge decides. The court does nothing but make the decision.
My mother's house burned down this past Saturday morning. We found out she was not insured. She is 83 years old and the widow of a Korean war veteran. She is coming home with me. Is there anyway we can get help to rebuild?
By Thomas
What does the fact that your mother is the widow of a Korean War vet have to do with your question? I haven't heard of any organizations that rebuild homes for any reason. I know of organizations that help with repairs, but when it comes to rebuilding an entire house I don't know.
Most organizations that help with repairs do go by income and there is a waiting list. Just because a person is a senior citizen doesn't necessarily mean they are low income. At your mother's age if she didn't know she should have homeowner's insurance, you should probably have been nosing into her financial affairs and helping her figure out what necessities she needed to have. Instead of rebuilding her house, sell the lot it was on and find a senior citizen's apartment complex that she can get into one of their units in a short amount of time.
The Red Cross would be the best bet to start. Then with friends & relatives you have you can put together a fund raiser to help with finances. Just make it into a great big party! As for future housing, would be heart-moving to take her in if possible. It is a terrible trial that has happened to you & yours, it's all about compassion. I bid you blessings for a great outcome! I must say the first comment made a lot of sense but come on, word something different to lesson the blow, I am sure they feel maybe they should have secured mother for emergencies< it is called Empathy! :)
Contact your local American Legion Post and ask for the Service Officer. There is normally a special emergency fund for such emergencies. It would be helpful if the widow has proof of her husband's service in the Korean War. Also try the VFW.
My friend is a single mom and her house burned down.
I would like to directed to a charity or more that will help my friend rebuild her house.
By Robert
Is there homeowner's insurance? There are also places that can be rented.
You do not provide any further information so no one can even begin to respond to your question. If your friend owned the house and has insurance, she should contact her insurance company. There may be other options available to her but you did not provide any more information.
If your friend has no insurance, and no resources, the Salvation Army is the place to start. I believe the Red Cross may also have emergency help. Agencies such as these will be able to direct you further, and will provide first line help.
I need help finding a place to live. My house burned down and I don't know what else to do. Could you help me out please? I'm a single male. I have two cats that are 20 years old. I'm pretty easy-going and retired in Oakland if I could find some help.
Thank you.
I'm from Meridian, Mississippi. How do I get help, everything I had was in that fire, and I have no family at all. I don't even have a shirt. Will anyone help me rebuild my life, just a shirt would help. Thank you all.
I was the owner of a mobile home and my trailer caught on fire. I did not have insurance and I lost everything.
Due to this the Red Cross did help me, but I still need help. What else can I do?My family and I had a fire on 5/2/19 and we lost everything even a place to live. Well thank God the Red Cross helped with some money for food and an outfit for each of us and a few nights at a motel. We have maybe a few days before we are out of money, but no place to live.
We have been on the section 8 list for over 6 months and are # 51. So we thought they would help with emergency housing, but no. So if anyone has any ideas please I could really use some advice. Please thank you.My mobile home burned down. I was without insurance. Are there resources to help me recover? I live in California.
We just lost our home to a house fire. My daughter, granddaughter, myself, and our 3 dogs are now homeless with no car and no money. We live off my disability check and some public assistance. I'm going thru a domestic violence situation as well.
Someone please tell me where to go and what I can do to get some help. We moved to Vidalia Georgia 2 years ago from New York to get away from my ex husband and we have nothing nor anyone here. I'm lost as to where to go. I've tried to get help, but no one knows anything here. Please someone let me know where to go. In need of help asap. Thank you and god bless.
Who do I call to get help in St. Paul Minnesota after I lost my home due to a fire? I would like to be able to stay at a hotel with their help.