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Fire victims get Christmas miracle
Man donates apartment to family of nine
Updated: Saturday, 22 Dec 2012, 10:44 PM CST
Published : Saturday, 22 Dec 2012, 10:44 PM CST
AUSTIN (KXAN) - Hundreds of families are relying on the help of the community after losing their homes in an apartment fire where three buildings and 68 units were destroyed. But Saturday, one family got a big surprise from a complete stranger.
After Thursday's fire at the International Residence Apartments, the American Red Cross set up a shelter for families who lost everything.
The Solis family of nine, didn't have anywhere else to turn so they spent three days living at the shelter. But Saturday the Red Cross closed down the shelter after all the other families had received help.
The Solis' were the last family at the shelter left to find housing arrangements.
"They were really concerned about it because staying at the shelter for three days they had until 4 p.m. Saturday to find a place to stay," said Jenny Moncada, a translator for the Solis family. "They didn't know what to do because they wanted to stay together."
But just as The Red Cross was setting up temporary arrangements at a hotel, a man walked into the shelter.
"Out of nowhere this guy came out, he was like, I have an apartment where they can stay," said Moncada. "It has two bedrooms, an office, and I'm not using it."
A moment they say left them overjoyed. Thanks to the help of the Austin Disaster Relief Network, a group of local churches set up to help in disaster situations.
"They're going to basically adopt this family," said Daniel Geraci, Director of ADRN. "The man who came in said he is already making calls to people so that all their needs are met."
The Solis family is now relying on donations from the community after losing everything; even their car to get them around.
The Austin Disaster Relief Network has set up a donation warehouse at the Twin Lakes Fellowship Church in Cedar Park.
- Donations accepted Sunday 12/23 from 1p.m. to 5p.m.
ADRN officials say they are still in desperate need of gas cards, mattresses, and furniture.
As for the Solis children, they say although their Christmas will be like no other this year, they still have reasons to be grateful.
"I'm glad that my whole family is going to be with me," said Maya Solis. "And I'm glad that I don't have anyone missing."
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