| The Needville and Fulshear communities are being called on to help their own after fires have uprooted and disoriented two Fort Bend families.
Needville
The home of long-term Needville residents Joe and Josie “Mama Jo” Martinez burned to the ground last weekend, leaving the 13 residents of that home looking for ways to return to some sort of normalcy.
Joe and Josie lived in their home with their daughters and grandchildren but since the fire, they have been forced to separate and live with friends and family.
Mike Kincaid, director of operations for Rosenberg McDonald's, who is heading the family's relief effort, said support has been pouring in from all areas of the community - a bed set and furniture have been donated, friends and family are providing clothing and Red Cross gave the family vouchers for their basic needs - but more help is needed.
Kincaid said the fire also destroyed the family's two cars, which were insured, and the home, which was not insured.
“Their biggest need is in finances,” he said. “They are going to have to completely rebuild.”
Monetary donations can be made to the Martinez Family benefit account (No. 155-802-9409) at Wells Fargo Bank, 2910 Ave. H in Rosenberg.
Fulshear
When the heat from the house fire last Aug. 28 reached her oxygen tanks, Helen Pittman's home exploded, leaving her and her family with property but no home on that property. Although Pittman, life-long Fulshear resident, is currently living in an apartment in Richmond, she said her only thoughts are about getting back into Fulshear - and the Fulshear community is helping her to do just that.
After Fulshear City Council prohibited Pittman from placing a mobile home on her property (due to city ordinances), it decided to help Pittman build a home on her property and started the Fulshear Community Outreach project.
J.B. Collins, Fulshear Council member, said although members of the community have been aiding Pittman with her basic needs since the incident happened, now is the time to organize everyone's efforts into one active force.
“Once she sees some progress, she'll know we're serious,” said Laverne Patterson, Council member.
Fulshear residents are encouraged to attend the first Fulshear Community Outreach meeting at 7 p.m. Feb. 4 at the Irene Stern Community Center, 6920 Katy-Fulshear Rd.
“Bring your suggestions, skills, trades and helping hands,” said Dennis Clack, Council member.
Those interested in making donations or volunteering should contact Bill Ramsey at 281-346-2344 or Winter Gordon at 281-346-1937.
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