FRANKLIN COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - Damage from the wildfire that erupted in Eastpoint, taking 36 homes with it, did not rise to a level where a 'state of emergency' can be called.
Franklin County Sheriff A.J. Smith says there needs to be $30 million in damage for a state of emergency to be called.
Even though damages from the Eastpoint fire topped out at $2 million, for the families who lost their homes, this is an emergency.
"I lost everything what I had. I lost my grandpa's pictures and all that," said Bill Banks, who lost home in Eastpoint fire.
The Banks family is one of 36 who lost everything to the Limerock wildfire.
That's why Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare and WOCY radio station in Eastpoint started the "Love 36 Campaign"
These groups are each adopting a family and helping rebuild their home.
"We're grateful for everybody backing us up. I just want to thank the church and all of them, thank you from the bottom of my heart and my parents heart," said Banks.
On Thursday, Bethel Missionary Baptist Church told the Banks family they were being adopted for the Love 36 Campaign.
The Banks family cried tears of joy when they learned a new home is being built for them. However, there are 35 other families who lost everything and are in need of support.
These groups are pulling together, to help families who lost everything get back on their feet.
"We have adopted a family who we are literally going to rebuild their home. So we've got a coalition of compassionate people coming together," said Reverend Dr. R.B. Holmes of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church.
Anyone who wants to help can adopt and family and work with them to rebuild their home and their life.
