Community members are coming together to raise money for a Port Arthur policeman and his family who lost their home to a fire Friday.

PAPD Sgt. Jeremy Houston, his wife Brandy, and their son lost basically everything except the clothes on their back, Port Arthur Police Detective Patrick Britton said.

The Houston family was not home at the time the fire broke out, possibly in the kitchen on a day when strong winds flamed the fire.

To help the family, a GoFundMe account has been established as well as an account at Gulf Credit Union.

A link sale is also planned for Saturday.

Britton, who established the GoFundMe account, said there has already been an overwhelming response.

“We set out goal for $10,000 and already are up to $2,200,” Britton said.

To donate to the GoFundMe account, search donations and enter the name Jeremy Houston and Patrick Britton. The account title, “P.A. Sgt. Loses home to housefire” will also bring up the GoFundMe account if typed in the site’s search area.

The GoFundMe link is https://www.gofundme.com/sbkz585g

Britton said the money would be used to buy whatever they family needs, but mainly clothing.

“All they have was what they had on — the clothes on their backs,” Britton said.

Houston is a patrol sergeant who has been with PAPD for about 14 years, Britton said. His wife is the owner of the Turn N Point hair salon on Bluebonnet Drive in Port Arthur.

The Houston’s are currently living with family, Britton said.

In addition to the GoFundMe account, Britton has partnered with Constable Christopher Bates, and PAPD officers Ahmaal Bodden and Tyree Thomas to start an account at Gulf Credit Union to raise money for the family. The account number is 82589.

“GoFundMe is good, but not everyone is computer savvy, so we established this account at the credit union as a way for everyone to have an opportunity to give,” Bates said.

People can also give by purchasing a barbecue link meal Saturday in front of the police department. For $5 a link sandwich including chips and a piece of cake will be provided. The fundraiser begins at 11 a.m. and last until all is sold out.

E-mail: sherry.koonce@panews.com

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