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Julius was working overtime Monday evening as he did many times during the week. He was looking forward to going home and getting some much-needed rest when he got a call he would never forget. His apartment was on fire.
The fire started shortly after 7 p.m. at the Scotland Yard Apartments in Houston. A neighbor saw the fire and called 911. When other residents saw the fire, they started running around, banging on doors, and alerting everyone to get out. Fortunately, everyone managed to get out safely and no one was hurt. When Julius got to his apartment, the Houston Fire Department was already making steady progress fighting the fire. Julius got to see first-hand how the fire was contained but not until it had managed to destroy 36 units, including Julius’ home. Julius had lived there for the past 5 years. The entire contents of his apartment had been turned into ashes. All he had left was his car and the clothes he was wearing.
Fortunately for Julius and the other residents, the Red Cross opened a shelter for them to have a place to stay that night. He also received financial assistance from the Red Cross which he was extremely grateful for because he was able to buy shoes and clothes.
“The clothes I have on now are thanks to the American Red Cross, they really helped us out,” said Julius.
That Thursday a nurse from the Red Cross called him to go over his medications and to see if he needed anything else.
“She reimbursed me for the copay I had to pay to get my medicine back,” said Julius and added, “Someone else from the American Red Cross also contacted me and let me know where I could get food, clothes, and other things renters might need.”
Julius was fortunate in other ways as well. His landlord let him out of his lease and reimbursed him for his prorated rent plus the security deposit. He is now looking at a new apartment to lease. His employer, HISD, was also very understanding, they told him to come back to work when he was ready. He is staying with a friend in the meantime.
There was one thing that Julius will never be able to replace.
“I had a Bible I got in 1999 from my church back home in Florida. That Bible had been everywhere with me, to college in Orlando and then when I went to grad school here in Houston. It had sentimental value, but all the other stuff is man-made, material stuff, but I’m still living. Nobody got injured or died. That’s how I look at it. It’s the main thing, you know?” said Julius.
“This experience taught me this,” said Julius. “Always have an emergency kit in your car. You never know if you’re going to be displaced for a day, three days, a week or two.”
In addition to having that kit, Julius recommended having your important documents in your car or in storage, not in your home and make sure you have renters’ insurance.
“I know I’m going to be fine. Don’t be discouraged or dismayed if this happens to you,” said Julius. “All hope is not lost. There are better days ahead and every day is getting better and better. There are people like the American Red Cross that helped me and will help you too. I’ll finish with the renters’ insurance process and it’s going to work out. Have a positive mind set.”
Julius finished by saying, “I thank God for you and all the other people that work for the American Red Cross, the volunteers, you all are really passionate about what you all do. You make the whole process a lot easier. Thank you.”
Story By: Francisco Philibert
Texas Gulf Coast American Red Cross 