Written by Phyllis Bell-Davis

Calvin Lewis said he was in his Gainesville home the night of the fire, around 11 o’clock, when he heard an unusual “crackling sound.” Alarmed, he stepped outside and was met with a horrifying sight: “I stepped out of the house and found my back porch fully engulfed in fire!”

Lewis, 82, lost his home in Gainesville, FL, along with “anything of real value.” The fire consumed the house he had built 22 years ago after retiring from the trucking industry. “Everything is gone,” he said. Trying to maintain perspective, Lewis admits he’s leaned on humor to keep from breaking down. “I try to have a sense of humor to keep from crying,” he shared, noting that his family and girlfriend—whom he is now living with—have been an enormous source of comfort.

Amid the devastation, Lewis expressed deep gratitude to the American Red Cross, who stepped in right away to help with financial assistance to cover immediate disaster-caused needs. Volunteers also ensured he had support for medication replacement and connected him with a trained caseworker who provided comfort and guidance on the next steps. “The Red Cross provided me excellent service and did an exceptional job in helping me,” he said.

This was Lewis’s first experience with the Red Cross, and he was impressed by their compassion. “These are good people who did everything right,” he said.

“I’m 100% satisfied with the treatment from the Red Cross. I’ve never had to experience the need for the Red Cross, but I know if I ever need them again, they will be there to help. I’m truly thankful to the Red Cross!”

Even as he grieves the loss of his home, Lewis holds onto resilience and gratitude—grateful for family, grateful for help, and grateful for the kindness that showed up when he needed it most.

Every 8 minutes, the Red Cross responds to a home fire — the most common disaster we face. These moments often leave people with nothing but the clothes on their backs. That’s why fire safety education, working smoke alarms, and an escape plan are so important.

Want to make a difference? Become a Red Cross volunteer and help people who’ve just experienced the unthinkable. Whether offering comfort, shelter, or recovery support, your compassion can bring hope when it’s needed most.

Learn more at redcross.org/volunteer