Fundraiser set up to help Tioga County family who lost their home to fire

A fundraiser has been set up to help a Tioga County family following the devastating loss of their home due to an electrical fire on Nov. 12.

Chris Howe, a single father and long-time resident at the Owego Heights Park located off Rte. 96, received a phone call at work just before 10 a.m. that day.

Howe’s three children, ages 13, 12 and 6, were home at the time. Howe’s oldest daughter was the first to smell smoke and immediately called her father. All got out safely, along with their pet dog, and sought shelter at a neighbor’s home.

Howe explained that the neighbor ran into the home to see if there was anything that could be done before emergency services arrived. According to Howe, Candor was first alerted, and then Owego was dispatched.

It was within minutes that the home was engulfed, and, according to Howe, is a total loss. The intensity of the heat from the fire was enough, Howe said, to also melt portions of siding on his neighbor’s home. 

Two days after the fire, Howe spoke by phone. Now in the beginning stages of processing the event and the overwhelming feelings associated with it, there is a lot of legwork to be done in order to get back on track. Howe mentioned that he had recently purchased Christmas gifts and that there are a few special items that will be missed by the family, although, more importantly, he is pleased that his children knew what to do in an extremely difficult situation.

“I’ve instilled in them not to panic,” Howe remarked, adding, “And I am proud of them.”   

The family is now living temporarily at another neighbor’s home across the street. The neighbor, Howe shared, was very kind to have opened her door to them while she and her husband are out of town.

Across the street, though, means that the Howe’s can view the charred remains of their home until it is cleaned up. The accommodations, Howe remarked, versus other options offered, better suit their needs for the interim.   

Since the fire, an incredible amount of acts of kindness have come forward.

Howe, a Tioga Center High School graduate, grew up in Tioga County.

“It’s mind-boggling,” Howe said, adding that he is very thankful for, “The overwhelming generosity from friends and family, and a lot of people I don’t even know.”

Howe shared that the Red Cross was on the scene and where he received some monetary aid. The Vestal Elks Lodge, and where Howe has been a member for nine years, also authorized monetary assistance for the family.

In addition, as a long-term employee with Stanley Steemer in Vestal, Howe said of his employer, “They have been phenomenal,” and explained that he has been allowed some time off of work and given use of company resources to potentially salvage any items, if possible. 

Right now, Howe said, he is taking one day at a time and is most concerned with meeting the immediate needs of his children in regard to clothing, everyday essentials and prescription medicines, and, he said, “Just trying to keep a regular routine.”  

Just two days prior on Nov. 10, Howe’s son celebrated a birthday, and the next day, Nov. 11, was Howe’s own birthday. One daughter also had a birthday recently.

Howe shared that he has helped others in need through his association with the Vestal Elks Lodge, and that, again, he is thankful for the generosity of the community during his time of need. 

Ryan Geisenhof, a friend and co-worker of Howe, thanks the community for the overwhelming support, and asks that further donations be in the form of money or gift cards. Individuals can also find the fundraiser, “Chris Howe House Fire” on Facebook, where online monetary donations of any amount are being accepted.

Monetary or gift card donations can also be dropped off or mailed to the Vestal Elks Lodge located at 2071 Vestal Pkwy West in Vestal, N.Y. 13850, Attention: Ryan Geisenhof. The lodge opens at noon daily.