SAN DIEGO (NEWS 8) — There has been a big response since Tuesday when News 8 did a story on a local couple who lost everything when their RV went up in flames.
"Bad things do happen - I just happen to be one of them persons they happen to," said Derrick Palacio.
Following the fire, he never asked for help, but the donations keep pouring in.
"I think it's a blessing and that San Diego is a very good place," Palacio said.
On Tuesday, Palacio and his family - including his wife, aunt and blue-nose pit bull Diesel - lost the only home they had.
Their motor home went up in flames along Fairmont Avenue near Interstate 8.
Everything inside - including the shoes on their feet – was gone.
Palacio bought the RV on Feb. 1 for $600 using money he had saved from his monthly social security checks.
Prior to that, he and his family had been living on the streets for a year and a half, so having this roof over their head, and wheels under their feet was a huge step in the right direction.
"I mean it was so comfortable for the week we had it, two weeks we had it," said Palacio. "It didn't really set in until this morning, you know, that I realized that everything I had is gone."
After seeing the story on News 8, viewers reached out, asking how they could help.
We received several emails, including one from Vista resident Ann Horst.
She says she felt for Derrick especially, since she was once homeless too.
So, Horst put the word out on social media and began collecting donations, including money and clothes.
The Red Cross also chipped in by providing blankets and some money for a motel room for Palacio and his family to stay in through Saturday.
Beyond that, they're not sure where they'll go, but are hopeful they'll figure something out.
"I can't sit on my hands - I have to get out there and do what I need to do to take care of them," said Palacio. "I'm just wondering 'how am I going to be able to get back on my feet?'"
If you would like to help, visit the family's GoFundMe page here or a page set up by Ann Horst of Vista.
RELATED COVERAGE