MILTON — Billy Cleveland Holder needs help after a Nov. 12 fire left him homeless.
The blaze, which occurred on State Road 87 North near the Alabama state line, originated in the fireplace, according to Berrydale Volunteer Fire Rescue’s Facebook page.
Holder, 70, said he awoke to the fire just in time.
“When I woke up early, the house was just engulfed. I knew I had to get out of there,” he said.
First responders had Holder taken to Jay Hospital for an overnight stay due to smoke inhalation.
Now, Holder is staying with his friend, Robert Lambert, in Brewton, Ala. Lambert said he has driven Holder to churches and non-profit organizations seeking assistance. So far, Holder said he has been frustrated with the lack of help, outside Lambert’s hospitality.
“It’s like nobody knows you when you need them,” Holder said. “So far, we have gotten absolutely nowhere.
“I have paid taxes all of my life — I just need some help.”
Holder — who rented the home and had no renter’s insurance — said he has received some food and clothing donations from area churches. In addition, the United Bank of Jay has set up a fundraising account to help Holder.
Holder said he doesn’t want to inconvenience Lambert and wants to find another place to stay.
“I am just trying to get something going to where I can get someplace to where I can have a bed to sleep in,” Holder said.
Lambert hopes the community will help.
“He is a pretty good guy, I’m sure some people will come together,” Lambert said. “He has got to get started somewhere.”
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: 'We have gotten absolutely nowhere'