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Dallas: Volunteers Erect New Home for Children Orphaned By House Fire

Posted on: Monday, 13 February 2006, 12:00 CST

By Roy Appleton, The Dallas Morning News

Feb. 12--The rebuilding of four young lives took on another dimension Saturday in southeast Dallas.

There, in the 6400 block of Howard Avenue, about 75 volunteers erected the studded walls of what will be a home for the orphaned children of David and Angela Macias.

Mr. and Mrs. Macias couldn't escape a fire that destroyed their home almost three years ago.

But through the kindness of friends and strangers, Elvia, David, Isaac and Rebecca Macias will soon have a place of their own -- right where their family was suddenly and sadly torn apart.

"I feel OK, happy," murmured Elvia, the 13-year-old big sister, watching the busy swarm of workers. "I thank everybody for helping us build our house."

Volunteers from Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity, Highland Park United Methodist Church and Southern Methodist University are helping build a four-bedroom, two-bath, 1,352-square-foot house, replacing the family's two-bedroom, one-bath home.

Concrete, roofing, appliances and other materials have been donated, and a $55,000 grant from the Harry W. Bass Jr. Foundation will cover the rest.

And on Feb. 26, the children and their grandparents, Aparicio Enriquez and Elvia Moreno de Enriquez, can begin settling into their new home.

"It certainly won't replace their parents, but it's something to be excited about," said Melinda Russ, who led efforts to help.

One of Angela Macias' sisters cares for Ms. Russ' children. Days after the fire, the Highland Park woman began seeking donations. She worked with lawyers to settle the Macias' estate and secure legal residency for the grandparents, who moved from Vera Cruz, Mexico, to care for their daughter's children.

And her requests caught the attention of her church, Highland Park United Methodist. The church's Carpenters for Christ ministry partners with Habitat for Humanity in building homes. The Macias house is their 41st project since 1996.

"This is the best. We're doing it for four children," said Joe Fortson, a volunteer and outreach liaison.

The children's many uncles, aunts and cousins provide support, as does their church, Iglesia Pentecostal Unidad Hispana. But the family faces many challenges.

The grandparents don't speak English and don't have a vehicle. David, 11, is struggling in school. He and Elvia have been receiving counseling. And taxes, utilities and other living costs will have to come from limited financial resources, Ms. Russ said.

David Macias was refinishing a wooden floor the night of April 2, 2003, preparing for Elvia's 11th birthday party, when varnish fumes and sparks from a sander erupted in flames.

On Saturday, Elvia spoke softly of her father's screams and how he pounded on a bedroom door telling his children to flee. She and two of her siblings climbed out a window, Elvia said, and an uncle rescued the fourth. Her father died that night; her mother, five days later.

David had little to say Saturday about the work. "Great. Great," he said, standing before his future home. Isaac, 6, and Rebecca, 4, seemed oblivious.

Elvia and David said they are glad to be returning to their Pleasant Grove neighborhood. Elvia recalled family gatherings and cookouts and playing basketball with her father in the driveway.

But her birthday will bring back painful memories, and she isn't sure about a party this year. One thing is for sure, Elvia said. "Nothing's going to be the same no more.

"It's hard to recognize they're not here. Sometimes I feel they're with me, but I can't see them."

E-mail rappleton@dallasnews.com

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Copyright (c) 2006, The Dallas Morning News

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Source: The Dallas Morning News

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