Port Huron family 'devastated' by house fire. Here's how you can help

A Port Huron family lost everything in a house fire Thursday. Now, the community is helping them get back on their feet.

Donyel Buffington said their 10th Avenue home where she, her fiancée and their three children lived was a total loss following the fire. The family lost nearly everything, with the exception of some clothing in the adults' bedroom. 

She said the family is currently living in a hotel and they are searching for a new home. Buffington set up a GoFundMe to help with expenses as the family recovers from the fire. They did not have renters' insurance. 

She said Garfield Elementary, where she works, has collected items for the family, and their extended family has provided support. 

The family's cat was injured, Buffington said, and is currently at the vet. It will be in foster care until they find housing. 

Buffington said they are "devastated. We're still in shock."

Shortly before 11:15 a.m., the Port Huron Fire Department responded to an occupant of the home who reported his back porch was on fire, Port Huron Fire Chief Corey Nicholson said. 

The back of the home and second story suffered smoke and fire damage. An adjacent home's siding also suffered damage, he said. 

No injuries were reported, Nicholson said. 

The cause of the fire is under investigation. 

Contact Laura Fitzgerald at (810) 941-7072 or at lfitzgeral@gannett.com.