Churches and the community raise funds for families who lost their homes in the Blue Ridge storms.
On December 26, 2015 an outbreak of tornadoes hit North Texas. Two families in Blue Ridge, the Santillano’s and Gonzalez’s, were left homeless in the wake of the storm. The Santillano’s tragically lost their infant daughter who was just a few days old. They also suffered injuries that led to mounting medical bills and their manufactured home was completely destroyed. Compelled by their stories, the people of Christ Fellowship, First Baptist Church of Blue Ridge, and friends of the families all worked together to raise funds to replace their homes.
First Baptist Church of Blue Ridge and personal Go Fund Me accounts started raising funds right away - people gave $45,500. A remaining $65,000 was still needed to purchase new homes for the families. Christ Fellowship shared the need with their members, and in just a few short days something surprising happened. The people of the church gave above and beyond - reaching the goal so the families could have new homes.
Rafe Wright of Christ Fellowship was able to meet with both families and share the news:
“In four days God has provided all the money you need for your new home. In four days God has provided $65,000 plus. It will be just a few short weeks and you will be in your new home back in your old neighborhood, back at your old school. “
The family was overwhelmed with emotion. Maria Gonzalez said, “I wasn’t expecting this answer to happen that fast. Thank you because we now have a house. Thank you to all from the church, thank you very much!”
Both families (pictured) were able to go to the manufactured home facility so that both could pick wall colors, counter tops, cabinets, floor coverings and exterior color for their soon to be new homes.
Watch the families’ reactions to hearing the news about their new homes for the first time here: http://www.cfhome.org/blueridge
The Santillano’s and Gonzalez’s are expected to move into their new homes within the next month. For interviews or to cover this developing story, contact Krista Williamson at kwilliamson@cfhome.org or 512.633.0422.
Christ Fellowship is a non-denominational multicultural church in McKinney where 2,000 people attend each week, reaching people of all age groups and backgrounds.