Effingham County’s Habitat for Humanity has joined with others in the community to lend a helping hand to a fire victim.
Jimmy Rutland, Habitat’s executive director, said they were contacted by people in the community after the June 9 fire that destroyed a home on Old Dixie Highway S. The fire killed several pets and all the belongings of the homeowner, Suzanne Collier.
“One of our ministries is to facilitate finding services for those in need,” Rutland said.
Habitat has been able to arrange temporary power at the site.
“This will run her well and is for the camper she is temporarily staying in,” Rutland said.
Debbie Gaskin and her daughter, who set up a GoFund account for Collier, said Rutland and Habitat have been very helpful.
“He’s (Rutland) been wonderful,” Gaskin said.
Habitat is also providing much needed - and practical - advice on moving ahead.
“We’ve been asked to provide advice on how to proceed with permanent shelter,” Rutland said.
Gaskin said the community is also helping through donations.
“The United Way and American Red Cross have also helped,” Gaskin said.
To donate through the GoFund me site, visit http://www.gofundme.com/a5yrbo.
To contact Habitat for Humanity call 912-826-6433. United Way of Effingham can be reached at 826-5300. The American Red Cross can be reached at 912-651-5300.