San Antonio Rallies to Aid Family After Fire, Memorial Heights Community Demonstrates Exceptional Unity

Local organizations and the District 5 Office came together to assist a family from Memorial Heights left stranded after their home was destroyed by fire. The family, including a disabled matriarch named Arlene and her two children, also facing disabilities, faced the grim prospect of a $25,000 demolition bill but saw their burdens eased thanks to a coalition of community assistance.

According to a statement obtained by sanantonio.gov, city departments worked in tandem to quickly form to assist, with the City of San Antonio Neighborhood and Housing Services Department offering relocation aid, while other municipal branches contributed through expedited debris removal and code enforcement flexibility. Amid these coordinated efforts, Anastacia, Arlene's daughter, took on extra work to help cover the demolition costs.

The collaborative push toward assistance gained further momentum with the enlistment of LiUNA Local 1095, a local laborers' union, which stepped forward to provide both volunteer labor and access to the requisite heavy machinery for demolition. On July 13, their efforts culminated in the completion of demolition and removal of the debris.

“We are deeply grateful to LiUNA Local 1095, JR Ramon, and Raintree Transport for their swift and selfless response in aiding our community,” Councilmember Teri Castillo remarked in a statement, highlighting the community's spirit of compassion and solidarity. In a similar vein, Matt Gonzales, Business Manager of LiUNA Local 1095, told sanantonio.gov, “When we learned of this family’s desperate need, our members knew we had to step in by providing our demolition expertise and volunteer time. As the Laborers’ Union, it is our duty and privilege to support our community in times of hardship.  We also want to thank Councilwoman Castillo for her commitment to working with Labor to build a better San Antonio for everyone.”

Clayton, Vice President of JR Ramon Demolition, in a nod to the partnership, and furthering solidarity expressed, “Watching our local District 5 Office take such an active role in assisting this family in our community was very heartening to see. We were happy to lend a hand in support of such a worthy effort."