Vietnam Veteran Loses Everything in Indy House Fire
INDIANAPOLIS — On Wednesday morning, Steve Howard, a 68-year-old Vietnam veteran, lost everything in a house fire in Indianapolis.
The Indianapolis Fire Department believes a space heater that was left too close to some combustible items may have caused the fire on 32nd Street, which spread to the house next door. Now Howard, his sister, and their two elderly neighbors are all without a home.
Howard recently made a difficult financial decision, says IFD Battalion Chief Rita Reith.
“He told us he’s always had insurance, but recently, he had difficulty with some medical issues, and so his bills piled up, and he had to choose between paying for insurance for his house, or receiving medical care,” Reith said. “And he chose the medical care, so he was distraught because he had let his insurance lapse and then the house catches on fire.”
“It’s sad for anybody to have to make a choice between medical care and having an insured home, but for some, that is what they’re facing,” Reith said.
Now, the Indianapolis Fire Department is trying to help Howard.
“You know, we have agencies in town that can help with replenishing clothes and furniture items, and things like that,” Reith said.
UPDATE: An organization that assists veterans in a time of need called “Code of Vets” has reached out to WIBC, and has offered to help Howard and his situation. If you’d like to help out as well, contact Cindy Walter at cwalter@codeofvets.com.
