Family Needs Help Moving Back Into Home That Burned Last Year

CHICAGO — Julie Carnithan is a proud Beverly native and homeowner. She and her husband, Robert have owned a home at 104th and Prospect for nearly 20 years now.

The cousin of fallen neighborhood firefighter Billy Grant, Carnithan is also a proud supporter of various firefighter charities like 'Ignite the Spirit' and the 'Gold Badge Society.'

But before the Carnithans can continue supporting groups that support the families of brave firefighters of Beverly, Morgan Park and across the city, they could use a little assistance themselves getting back to the home they love.

For nearly a year now they have been living in a rental home. Last December, the Carnithans' longtime home sustained significant damage in a fire that started outside. Two of the family's four cats were lost. Carnithan, her husband, the family dog and two cats survived.

Although it was not inhabitable and still isn't, Carnithan says the home was "not totaled out" by the insurance company, which agreed to pay for the family's rental home only until the end of next month.

As of late October, "it doesn't look like we'll be ready to move back in," said Carnithan, a 14-year survivor of cardiomyopathy who works from home and fears losing her job.

A GoFundMe started last year to help the family's cause. It has raised more than $4,000 so far, but Carnithan says about $20,000 would be needed for the family to be able to move back in.

"We have to have a place to live. We can't be homeless," Carnithan said.

Donate to Julie's Fire Fund here

Any funds left over that aren't needed for the house will be donated to Ignite the Spirit and Gold Badge Society.

"Those organizations are near and dear to my heart," Carnithan said. "We just want to get back home for the holidays, then help those causes as much as we can."

Photos provided