‘I thank God every day:’ Moneta family gifted new home nine months after house fire

With the help of local churches and businesses, the Durham family is getting a second chance in their new home

MONETA, Va. – A Bedford County family is getting a fresh start after a fire destroyed their home last year.

“I thought this was the end. I didn’t know what to do. My head was blank,” said homeowner, Ronnie Durham.

Ronnie, his two children and their pets are getting a second chance thanks to local churches, businesses and people in the community who came together to fundraise and donate to get the family a new home.

“I really sensed that God was saying to me, ‘We need to do something for the whole family, that will fix this,’” said David Janney, Palestine Baptist Church pastor.

Pastor David was the leading force in helping to put God’s plan into action.

“I love it. Not just when a plan comes together, but when people come together and make the plan happen,” Janney said.

Nine months after that devastating day, Ronnie is speechless he has a new home.

“They made this happen and I appreciate it and I thank God every day for this home and my family that we are all still together,” Ronnie said.

With the cost of the new home, donated furniture and free labor, they estimate donations surpassed $125,000.

But to the Durham family the community’s generosity is priceless.

“I’m so grateful. I don’t know if I’ll ever have the words to express how I feel. There sure are good people in this world today,” said Ronnie.


About the Author:

Sydney joined the WSLS 10 News team in June 2021.