FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Heather Ortner, GRACE Marketing & Communications Manager, 817-305-4652
GRAPEVINE, TX- A 3-alarm fire erupted this morning at the Ridgecrest Apartments near the 2800 block of Mustang Drive in Grapevine. No physical injuries have been reported, but the residential damage is considerable.
Update as of May 25, 2016:
We wanted to relay to our GRACE family what we know so far. We know that and that 20 homes were completely destroyed and unlivable and eight apartments were temporarily uninhabitable. Of the 43 displaced residents, nine were children, including two high school students, three elementary students, one toddler and three very young infants.
Long after the media coverage has subsided, GRACE will continue to be there for these families to secure housing, material possessions, and emotional support.
Many of these families live paycheck to paycheck and do not have renter’s insurance. Likewise, most families do not have a nest egg to lean on in the event of a catastrophe.
GRACE has stepped in to provide deposit assistance to secure a permanent homestead for select families. GRACE has also been in close collaboration with community partners to ensure that each of the family’s immediate material needs have been met, including gas cards, vouchers, groceries, clothing, diapers, and toiletries. These efforts will continue for as long as each family is in need.
Support from the community grants us the flexibility of a privately-funded organization. It’s because of your hard work that GRACE is able to sit down with each family to address emergent needs and find long-term solutions.
It’s the collective prayer of the GRACE Board and staff that each family we work with comes away with greater health, security and confidence in the road ahead.
To those who made a personal donation or are considering a donation to the family relief fund, we thank you. To the GRACE Board, volunteers, Gala Committee, donors and business sponsors who help us throughout the year, our utmost gratitude. God has brought each of you here to help us build a foundation for these families and clients we see every day.
We will keep the community informed on the progress of these families as they rebuild their lives.
Ways you can help
Donate
GRACE is working with each of these displaced families to find and secure shelter, and replace the household goods, clothing and food lost in the fire. The community has donated approximately 10% of the estimated amount needed to make these families whole again. A website has been set up to accept contributions to help with these costs. Click here to make a tax-deductible contribution to help GRACE help these families.
Here are the updated Food Pantry needs as of May 27:
- Baby Wipes
- Saltine Crackers (4-pack)
- Hamburger Helper
- Jelly (Plastic containers if possible)
- Cooking oil
- Condiments: Ketchup and Mayonnaise
All food donations can be dropped of to the GRACE Food Pantry, 837 E. Walnut Street in Grapevine, during operational hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9 am – 5 pm
Wednesday 12:30-5:30 pm *Please note that we will be closed on Memorial Day*
Pray
Your earnest prayers are requested on behalf of the families facing tremendous loss. Please pray for personal strength to each family member, and wisdom for GRACE and community leaders.
Stay Informed
Although residents are being asked to refrain from giving item donations on-site at this time, there will come a time when specific material and emotional needs must be met. Please stay informed on all GRACE outlets as we thoroughly evaluate all facets of the situation.
This community has shown its remarkable resilience in the wake of tragedy. Your generosity allows us to meet specific needs during times of crisis.
On behalf of the families we serve and those we have yet to serve, we are grateful in advance for your response to the needs of those hurting in the community.
As a steward of God’s blessings and resources in the community, GRACE demonstrates compassion for those less fortunate by providing assistance to individuals and families in crisis and guidance toward self-sufficiency.
