Abilene Community Rallies Around Displaced Fire Victims

ABILENE, TX – After an angry boyfriend turned arsonist torched an apartment complex in Abilene, 65 individuals were left homeless.

In response, the Abilene community is helping the displaced residents. Currently, 50 of the 65 victims have been staying at MCM Elegante Suites.

One of those affected has been identified as 63-year-old Coy Angley, a Marine Corps veteran. In addition to losing his home, Angley also lost his five dogs in the fire.

"It's hard coping with all of this," said Angley.

The American Red Cross will provide temporary shelter and resources for clothing and food vouchers. The main and most difficult task is helping fire victims permanent homes.

"We case manage and we work with different apartment complexes in the city to try and find them another permanent place," said Robyn Flores, Executive Director of the Abilene Red Cross.

The Chrisitan Service Center confirmed it has received a multitude of cash and clothing donations for the fire victims.

"Today we've been buried in emails, phone calls, people coming by and bringing in donations," said Christian Service Center Director Jim Clark.

Local businesses are also collecting items and taking them to the  Express Emergency Room on Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene.

"It just makes me think how lucky we are and you always want to be able to help other people," said Misty Colmery, a nurse at Express Emergency Room.

Laundry Love will also offer free laundromat services to those affected.

Anyone wishing to donate can contact the Christian Service Center on N. 10th Street in Abilene. They are currently accepting furniture and other household items.