Melissa Perez just doesn't know where her family is headed right now.
Fire last week destroyed the family's house at 4484 Decatur Ave. in the Founders Village area of Castle Rock.
That leaves Perez, husband, Craig, son, Josh, 17, and daughter, Haylie, 5, staying in a hotel, waiting for their insurance company to decide whether the house is a complete loss or can be rebuilt.
"We're just really trying to find somewhere to start putting the pieces together," Perez said.
The exact cause of the April 21 fire still is under investigation. The wind-driven fire also set the neighboring house at 4460 Decatur Ave. ablaze. That house was about 20 percent damaged.
Neighbors have pulled together to help those affected by the fire. A barbecue was held in the neighborhood last weekend, and a fund has been set up through Washington Mutual bank. Donations can be made at any branch to the Perez Family Trust.
"It's been quite overwhelming - in a good way - to know the community has just been so wonderful," Perez said.
The family has received many donations for preschooler Haylie and has taken Josh shopping for new clothes. They were able to salvage some of the Douglas County High School junior's hockey jerseys from the house.
The family, who has lived in Castle Rock almost eight years, isn't sure yet whether they'll make their new home here, Perez said. But they are thankful for all their neighbors' support.
"We love them, we thank them for everything," she said. "I wish there was something we could give back. It's well, well appreciated."
Kristin Zagurski is a Community Relations Specialist for the Town of Castle Rock.