Horry County Community Rallies Together After Devastating Fire
Horry County, S.C. – In a heart-wrenching incident over the weekend, a fire ripped through a house that was a vital part of a local ministry dedicated to helping women battling addiction. While most people are preparing for the joyous season of Thanksgiving, members of this community are facing an unexpected setback, and they are now reaching out for support.
What Happened?
On Saturday night, a kitchen fire broke out in a house run by the FREE Ministry, a non-profit organization focused on assisting individuals struggling with addiction. According to the CEO and founder of the ministry, James Boudreau, the residents of the house left for church, unknowingly leaving something cooking. What started as a regular evening quickly turned into a nightmare as Boudreau received a shocking phone call informing him that the house was engulfed in flames.
“When I got here, the house was totally engulfed in flames,” he recounted, clearly shaken by the loss. Tragically, the lady who was residing there was away during the fire, but the loss felt even more profound as her beloved dog did not survive.
A House with a Mission
The house was not just a roof over the head of one woman; it served as a crucial safe haven for those affected by the ongoing fentanyl crisis. Boudreau described the significance of the house, stating, “This home will be used for years and years and years to come. A gift that will keep on giving to help this drug addiction which a lot of the times causes this homelessness.” The loss has created a void in the ministry’s ability to serve women in need.
Finding Hope
Despite the ashes and devastation, there is a silver lining. Rich Reid, a participant in FREE Ministry, found a way to spread hope amidst the despair. “To stand in front of a burnt down house and still rejoice for Jesus is a big deal,” he said, reminding the community that there is always hope and help available.
Thankfulness in Tough Times
In an unexpected twist of gratitude, Lynn Boudreau, Vice President of the ministry, shared a heartwarming story about the resident who had lost her home. “We just went to Walmart this morning to gather things for Thanksgiving dinner, and she just looked at me and said, ‘I’m going to have family this Thanksgiving,’” she noted. This was especially poignant because the woman lost her daughter to an overdose two years ago on Mother’s Day, making this moment even more meaningful.
A Call for Community Support
With the holiday season fast approaching, the FREE Ministry is in urgent need of community support to rebuild what they’ve lost. They rely heavily on donations and hope locals will rally together to provide assistance during this critical time.
If you’re interested in helping this inspiring ministry or want to learn more about how you can contribute, reaching out to local community boards, churches, and charity organizations can be a good place to start. It’s a tough time for everyone involved, but together, they can rebuild and continue their important work.
As the community weathers this storm, they are reminded that it’s not just a matter of rebuilding a structure; it’s about coming together to support one another in the face of adversity. In moments like these, acts of kindness become the building blocks for brighter days ahead.
