CLEARLAKE — A Clearlake family of four is seeking the assistance of the community after suffering complete loss in a house fire last month. Tyreshia, 33, and James Celestin-Willis, 36 and their two teenage children have been displaced since Aug. 6 when their home and all their belongings were destroyed by fire.
“We”ve been staying anywhere we can,” Tyreshia Celestin-Willis said. “The most important thing is making sure our kids have a safe place to stay. It makes it really difficult for us to be together consistently.”
According to Lake County Fire Protection District, the fire was not suspicious in nature.
Tyreshia said she was using her laptop computer when the fire started in the area of her stationary computer. The blaze then ignited nearby drapes. She said a friend tried to extinguish the fire but his efforts were unsuccessful and she and her family lost their home and all their belongings.
Tyreshia said this experience is something new for her, having been on her own since she was 17-years-old. “I”ve always been able to provide for my family. I am at a loss right now,” she said. “This is something you never expect will happen to you and you”re never prepared for it. Right now all I can think about is keeping my family together and making it through this tragedy.”
Tyreshia continued, “I still cry every day. I”m overwhelmed by this situation and I don”t know what to do. I had no idea that God had this in his plan for me.”
Tyreshia said she and her family are finding that area resources are limited. They are facing long term displacement, staying with friends and family on a day-to-day basis. She said the ordeal has been especially trying for her teenage children, who are 14 and 15-year-old high school students. “It”s been a really tough time for them. High school is already hard enough. Now they have very little to start the new school year with,” she said.
James Celestin-Willis said it”s been very difficult for him to see his family struggle. “It”s hard for me to see my family struggle the way we have been for the past month,” he said. “Being homeless is new to me; I”m used to being in my home with my family, making sure that my kids are home on time, safe and seeing their smiles everyday. I pray everyday that we make it through this struggle. It”s a lesson to be learned.”
The Celestin-Willis family is seeking the assistance of the community to help them through this trying time. Any donation of clothing, household goods, school supplies or anything that might help the family through this tragedy would be greatly appreciated.
The Celestin-Willis” 14-year-old daughter is about the same size as her mother. They wear clothing size 5 to 7 and the daughter”s shoe size is 8. Their 15-year-old son is slightly smaller than his father. He wears a 3X and a size 38 pants. His shoe size is 12.
For more information regarding donations please contact Tyreshia Celestin-Willis at 295-4382.
Contact South County reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
