Oakdale family pleads for help after fire leaves 70-year-old with nothing

OAKDALE, La. (KALB) - A 70-year-old Oakdale woman is trying to rebuild her life after a fire destroyed her home just days before Thanksgiving. Now, her family is asking the public for help as she starts over from nothing.

Annie Harvey had lived in her rental home for 12 years before it went up in flames on November 19.

The fire left behind only debris and twisted metal and took every possession she owned.

Her son, Andy Harvey, said his mother is still traumatized by the ordeal and is struggling to adjust after losing everything.

“I know it’s hard on everybody right now,” he said. “But it’s extremely hard on her knowing she doesn’t have anything. She’s got to find somewhere else to live and restart at 70 years old. It’s hard on somebody who’s up in their age.”

Right now, Annie is staying with one of her daughters as the family figures out the next steps.

The home did not have renters’ insurance, adding to the financial strain.

Oakdale’s fire chief believes the blaze was electrical in nature.

Feeling helpless, Andy started a GoFundMe to support his mother’s recovery. He’s also asking the community to support Ann Odom, the widow who owns the property and is now responsible for the cleanup.

“If you can help, she can use it,” Harvey said. “If you can step in to help clean up, we would love for y’all to help…so we can try to rebuild something and put it back.”

If you would like to reach out to Andy Harvey directly, you can contact him at 318-664-5360.

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