Organization that Helps Needy Women, Children Set Back By Fire

By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A suspicious fire destroyed more than a vacant building. It also packed a punch to a group helping needy families.

As Oklahoma City firefighters finished putting out the flames on the building near S.W. 29th Place and Portland Avenue, they soon realized the structure belonged to a group, The Tapestry Project.

For women like Effie and her three boys, The Tapestry Project has been nothing short of a miracle.

"They put a lot of time and effort in what they do and they care about everybody in this neighborhood," said Effie, who asked that her last name not be used.

Less than a year old, the non-profit organization helps women and children who've fallen on hard times, get back on their own feet. Effie said without it she'd likely still be in a shelter. She moved back to Oklahoma after losing her job in Virginia and was staying in a homeless shelter. The Tapestry Project helped Effie into her new apartment and a donated car that allowed her to start her own business.

"It's a blessing actually because on the streets or by yourself you can't do anything, but with somebody who actually cares, it's actually great. It's been a blessing," Effie said.

The Tapestry Project houses nearly a dozen families in Effie's renovated apartment building and another like it across the street. The organization was hoping to put up five more families inside another building on S.W. 29th Place, but that was before it was destroyed by Wednesday's fire.

"For us this has been a real devastating blow just because these buildings represent housing, that represent hope for the women and children we work with day in and day out," said Executive Director and Founder Amy Newberry.

Firefighters are looking into who may have started the fire and why. Newberry said she's looking to see if the burned building can be salvaged.

Learn more about The Tapestry Project and how you can help.