Family displaced in a house fire is thankful for the community’s response
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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE): A father and his young son are struggling to find a place to live after a fire destroyed their home on Monday. Although they lost everything, the response from the community has reminded him of what the holidays are about.
Joseph Coccia lived on the second floor of an apartment on Donelson St., with his 4-year-old son and mother.
“Within 5 minutes his room was on fire,” Coccia said. “So if he didn’t fall asleep with me then he wouldn’t have made it.”
Coccia moved his family into the apartment about 2 months ago.
“It’s just emotional for me because he is really all I got,” Coccia said while crying.
Coccia fractured his ankle so he has been out of work and not collecting a full income.
“Being out of work, I just can’t do it all on my own anymore,” Coccia said.
Family members and friends have been posting about the fire on social media. Coccia’s mother said the outpour of love they received from the community is overwhelming.
“We have been getting clothes from family, friends, just complete strangers,” she said. “Just coming and dropping them off. It has been amazing.”
Coccia’s son was worried Santa Clause wouldn’t know where to deliver his presents after the fire.
Jason Messier, a West Warwick Councilman, has been helping families and non-profits, using what he calls his Crazy Christmas Wagon.
“He came in a hat and a suit and made sure Enzo knew elves were watching,” Coccia said. “Enzo was at a loss for words.
Coccia, his son, and his mother are staying with close friends as they try to find a place to live.
However, he says the community’s response is a reminder of what the holidays are really about.
“The Christmas spirit is still alive. There is till people out there that care and have good hearts.”
The cause of the fire is still under investigation but the Providence Fire Department said they believe it started from a mattress on the first floor.
If anyone wants to donate to Coccia and his family they have set up a GoFundMePage.
©WLNE-TV/ABC6 2019
