Santa Barbara Residents Getting Help from Neighbors After Losing it All in House Fire
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) - After a recent massive house fire on the Santa Barbara Eastside, residents are coming together to help the residents who are displaced.
Ten residents including a small child lived in the home.
Flames were shooting out in all directions when Santa Barbara Firefighters arrived but they could not save the structure. The cause is under investigation.
Hearing of the tragedy some residents nearby mobilized immediately.
"We said we had to do something. We had to help," said Community Leader Sebastian Aldana. He and his wife went to the house.
"People are coming together in different ways," said Aldana.
Donations so far have included clothing and personal necessities.
The people who lost their housing were not all from the same family and are trying to relocate, even temporarily.
Two neighbors who were riding their bikes nearby Sunday saw a gathering, then went to Trader Joe's to get four $10-dollar gift cards to donate.
"We were just going to the beach and I said 'there they are' so it was a good opportunity to stop. I wanted to figure out a way to help," said Dana Jennings. "I was really sad, we bike here all the time. We saw kids things in the front yard. It was sad to see how they could lose everything."
Aldana said, "it is just shows everybody's heart. It's beautiful people in this neighborhood."
Norma Aldana was sorting through clothing and said, "everybody was in shock to tell you the truth. And then everything was rolling in. I am so happy I live here." A new neighbor to the area at 1001 Alisos Street near the corner of Montecito Street has opened her yard for donations. She was a 2018 mudslide victim and knows about a major loss.
They credit a social media post from community leader Tere Jurado with activating the community.
She says they need gift cards and cash to begin rebuilding their housing security.
Norma Aldana said even with the fire, some of the residents "went to work. The next day they went to work. They are hard workers."
Tori Horn was one of the residents and says she is amazed at the community support. "She has reached out to me to help me try to find permanent housing or something to rent and clothes. It is very heartfelt." She has a little girl who lost her belongings and toys.
"The Eastside has really come together," said Horn.
One neighbor Christy Mahar said, "so far we have a storage unit" they are filling up. " It's been amazing with my work colleagues at Apfolio donating funds to help the families directly," and school parents in the area were all helping along with Ocean Hills church.
Quoting her daughters book she said, "No one can do everything, but everyone can do something."
The Red Cross provided three nights in a hotel. Social Services provided 16 days of housing assistance.
They are getting not only support from the neighborhood, but from Santa Barbara County Social Services and the American Red Cross.
For community members who have gift cards they can be provided in a secure donation with Sebastian Aldana at SBSEBAS@gmail com.
The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With the Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.
