Community Rallies Behind Maryland Mother After Fire Destroys Home

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — After a single mother of two lost her home and belongings in a house fire this weekend in Pikesville, the community has rallied behind the family to lend a helping hand.

Justine Smith and her children, Aydin and Aubrey, were awakened Wednesday by a fire in their attic caused by faulty electrical, according to a family friend.

The family managed to safely get out of the house; however, all of their personal items were badly damaged, and the house is no longer livable.

To help the family recover from their loss, Smith's best friend, Keisha McClain, launched a GoFundMe page.

In the three days that the online fundraiser has been live, more than 150 have donated, raising nearly $17,000 to help the family recover.

"Justine is a single mom having lost her fiancé suddenly back in 2014. She is a hardworking hairstylist and owns a hairline called Ella Extensions, she pours everything into her children putting herself and her needs second no matter what," McClain posted on the page.

"She is so proud and would have never asked for help, but as her friend, I really hope that we can raise some money to help her out during this trying time," she continued.

To donate to the family's GoFundMe page, visit this link.

NOTE: GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner.