MANCHESTER – Friends and neighbors are rallying around a Whiting couple who lost everything in a recent house fire, organizing a GoFundMe page to help them replace essentials and find temporary housing.
Barbara Silva launched the effort on behalf of her close friends, Wilfredo “Al” Ramos and Ada Meacham, whose home in Crestwood Village 6 was destroyed in a fast-moving blaze late last month. “They’re devastated and in shock,” Silva said. “They escaped with only the pajamas on their backs.”
The couple is currently staying in a motel while waiting for their home to be rebuilt — a process that could take more than a year. Donations will help cover clothing, food, and other necessities as they work to regain stability.
Authorities said the fire broke out around 10:20 p.m. October 26 at 5 Darien Court. A neighbor spotted the flames and pounded on the couple’s window to wake them. Ramos and Meacham managed to flee safely, but their two cats died from smoke inhalation.
Investigators believe the blaze was caused by an electrical malfunction. Firefighters from several Ocean County departments — including Whiting, Manchester, Ridgeway, Pinewald Pioneer, Bayville, Forked River, and Lakehurst — responded along with units from the Joint Base.
Silva said any contribution, no matter the amount, will make a difference. “Please help them get back on their feet,” she said. “Every bit of kindness counts.”
