DALLAS — A Dallas family is working to rebuild after a fire at the apartment complex where they lived destroyed all of their belongings.
On Sept. 5, Dallas Fire-Rescue responded to a fire at the Stone Manor Apartments. Investigators still cannot determine a cause, according to DFR, but do know a fire started in one of the lower-level units and spread to the top of the complex. 14 units were damaged in the fire and at least 48 people were displaced.
"Everything I had gone away just like that," 16-year-old Jayro Olivera told WFAA.
Jayro's family, which includes his mom, father, brother and sister, lost everything.
"It really hurt seeing everything the way it was," Jayro said.
All their clothes, money, furniture and family photos are gone. They even lost the precious presents Jayro’s cousin, who recently died, had gifted him over the years.
"He bought me a mirror, he gave me clothes, he got me shoes, hoodies," Jayro explained.
The Olivera family did not have renters' insurance. Right now, a two-bedroom temporary apartment a few blocks away, is what they can afford.
"We’re trying to build up here try to find a bigger place," Jayro's older brother, Juan said. "Right now, we’re all... I share the bed with him, and uh my parents are in their bed and my little sister sleeps on the couch, that’s all we have."
Despite all they’ve lost, the Oliveras met with WFAA because they want to express gratitude to all the people who have helped them. To Jayro’s teachers who bought him shirts, to his football coaches who gave him cash, and to their friends who sent them a couch.
"I don’t know where we’d be if we didn’t get no help," Jayro said.
"We hope God returns ten times the favor for them," Juan added.
One of Jayro’s teachers started a GoFundMe for his family. You can access it here.