DETROIT – A devastating fire ripped through the Detroit home of Willie and Portland Huling last Friday, destroying everything they had built over 24 years on the city’s east side.
Yet, amid the rubble, the Hulings are clinging to gratitude this holiday season.
The Hulings' large family of 10-13, including their grandchildren, made it out of the Grixdale Farms home alive on November 22.
“I don’t know where I’d be if they didn’t get out,” Portland said.
Returning to the site a week later, Portland got her first glimpse of the devastation, overwhelmed by the destruction.
The couple’s home on the city’s northeast side was destroyed after they say someone firebombed the neighboring house.
The flames spread rapidly, consuming the Hulings' possessions and memories. Water and smoke ruined anything the fire hadn’t touched.
“We’re hoping for the best,” Willie said. “It looks so bad, though.”
Willie noted the heartbreak of finding only “little knickknacks” among the ruins, including Christmas gifts they had planned to assemble and wrap.
Despite their loss, the Hulings have been buoyed by an outpouring of community support.
After their story was shared on Local 4, donations poured in, raising $10,000 within hours.
“I looked and was like, ‘Oh my God, this is incredible,’” Willie said.
For now, the family is crammed into a small, partially renovated home, working to secure necessities.
“We’re gonna first get beds, sheets, and pillows,” Portland said. Grateful for the kindness of strangers, the Hulings are determined to press on.
“We’re gonna keep moving on,” Portland said. “Thank you. It means the world to me, my husband, our kids, and my babies.”
A family fundraiser will be held at Shenanigans Irish Pub in the 24080 block of Schoenherr Road in Warren on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
All proceeds will go to the Huling family.
Click here if you’d like to help the family.
