On September 1, 2021, the house at 2253 S Pinon Ct (next door to Emily) sustained a devastating housefire. The two residents, a man and his adult son, luckily escaped with no major injuries. The quick response by four DFD companies prevented the fire from spreading to the surrounding area. 2253 is situated extremely close to the neighboring houses with Our Lady of Lourdes Church and School just across the alley. There are a great deal of trees and greenery around the house.
It was a serious fire exacerbated by the fact that the owner was a hoarder and there were substantial amounts of paper and other combustibles inside. The entire property had become a problem for the neighborhood with a great deal of junk stored in the yard and garage. The house was deemed to be too damaged by the fire to inhabit although people were later allowed inside to retrieve some possessions. The son was taken in by family and the dad went to a hotel. Unfortunately, both had health challenges before the fire occurred including limited mobility and several previous hospitalizations for the father.
The owner, due to his health challenges and the death of his wife, had become somewhat alienated from his other children and relatives and some of the neighbors. Emily – who barely knew him – stepped in to offer her assistance with clean-up and recovery. She spent countless hours working tirelessly on his behalf. Emily helped Paul negotiate the insurance claim, retrieved things from inside the house, secured and cared for treasured family items, and dealt with various city agencies. She spent a lot of time just talking with Paul and learning his colorful history.
After several months, Paul was in the hospital again and needed to find a longer-term living situation. Emily cleaned out the hotel room and assisted with finding an independent living apartment in a nearby facility. She purchased items then set up the apartment with furniture, basic kitchen equipment and essential supplies.
Emily, acting for Paul during his physical incapacitation, worked alongside the company hired to clear out the house as well as with family members to secure salvageable items. She was also running errands, picking up groceries and prescriptions, and taking Paul to medical appointments. At one point her youngest child told her he loved her because she was taking such good care of Paul.
Sadly, Paul passed away in late September 2022. Emily worked with the estate representatives to pass along papers and information from her work to assist Paul. Today – almost two years from the date of the fire – Emily and Greg are the new owners of the property. She continues the herculean task of clearing out all the junk, scheduling demolition of the burned house, arranging for removal of the dead and dying trees as well as overgrown weeds and shrubbery.
Emily’s plan is to create a green space on the lot with plenty of room for a large vegetable garden, fruit trees, and open areas. She will invite our Pinon Court neighbors to participate in the gardening and enjoyment of such an urban oasis. The area will be cleaned out and beautified, adding to the value of our properties.
Emily’s care of Paul as well as her determination and hard work have made a meaningful difference and serve as an example to her children and others of genuinely caring for your neighbor. In keeping with the criteria for the Star Award, Emily August has improved the appearance and quality of life in this neighborhood, and we are extremely proud of her!
