Written by Phyllis Bell-Davis

Calvin Lewis was in his Gainesville, FL home around 11 p.m. when he heard a crackling sound. “I stepped out of the house and found my back porch fully engulfed in fire!”

“I built this home 22 years ago after retiring from the trucking industry, and everything is gone,” he said. At 82, Lewis lost his home and nearly everything he owned. Despite the devastation, he remains hopeful, leaning on support from his family and girlfriend, with whom he’s now staying.

While the cause of the fire remains unclear, Lewis remains focused on gratitude: “If I ever need them again, I know they’ll be there. I’m truly thankful!”

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