Benefit raises funds for Woodbridge flood victims

A cool day with intermittent rain failed to dampen the spirits of a group of volunteers who put on an outdoor fundraiser to benefit the flood victims of Holly Acres mobile home park.

The event was held in a roped-off section of the parking lot of the B Thrifty store in Woodbridge.

“We were expecting upwards of 3,000 people, but with the weather  the way it is we probably won’t get that many,” said coordinator Ricardo Juarez with Mexicans Without Borders, one of the organizers of the event. “However, those that are here are all chipping in to raise as much money as we can.”

He said all proceeds from the event would go directly to the 45 families still seeking  permanent homes.

“Most of the people living in the trailer park were low-income and do not have the funds to find an affordable apartment or house in the area. We would like to contribute $3,000 to each of the families to help them find permanent shelter. The need for all of them is big,” he said.

CONTINUING COVERAGE: Stories, photos, videos, links

He said the needy families are staying with friends or relatives in very crowded conditions, with some  sleeping on the floor. 

“We want to give them back their dignity,” he said.

About 100 volunteers were helping to put on the fundraiser that included games, entertainment, food and just accepting donations in general.

One of the victims of the flood who was present to help was Maribel Cervantes. The trailer she shared with her husband, Heri Berto Ambriz, and 19-month-old son, Kevin, and inlaws Jose and Maria Ambriz was destroyed.

“We had witnessed high water before in the park but nothing like this. The water came in so quickly I was only able to save my passport. We lost all our clothing and household furnishing, as well as the trailer. As the water started coming into the trailer, we all got in our car and drove to higher ground. When we went back the next day, there was nothing left.”

Cervantes said she particularly feels bad for her son.

“Despite his age, he senses something is wrong. He wants to go home...but we have no home to go back to,” she said, wiping tears from her eyes.

“I’m so glad someone is willing to help us,” she said.

Juarez said he is working with real estate agents, apartment owners and anyone he can find that will give affordable housing to the victims.

“Hopefully within a week, we will find them a home,” he said, adding that “most of them cannot pay any more than $1,000 a month and it’s tough finding those kind of housing.”

Carlos Labiosa, commissioner of the Prince William Human Rights Commission, was on site, offering whatever help his organization could give.

“This is a very sad situation. I’ve known for years the county does not have suitable affordable housing, and now we are finding out just how hard it is for the families to find a place to live,” said Labiosa.

Make-shift stands were set up around the parking lot, offering items for sale.

Rosa Cervantes, Maria A. Ryes, Anabel Bernal, Jose Fina Vitels, Berna Ambriz, Cesar E. Ornelas and Virginia Bernal, all victims of the flooding, were selling snacks such as chips, cookies, candy and water to raise funds.

“Most of the items were donated so that we could make a profit,” said Cervantes.

Briana Jimenez, 13, whose parents, Armida and Juan Jimenez, were also driven out of their trailer, was manning a penny pitch game.

“When someone tosses a penny into a circle--depending on its color--they can win a prize. I hope to make a lot of money for the cause,” she said.

Volunteer Jessica Soto of Alexandria said she wasn’t a flood victim “but after reading about how much help was needed...I know it was an important cause, so I came out today.”

She was manning the information booth, selling game tickets and taking donations.

“I think despite the weather,  people are coming out and we are picking up quite a few donations,”she concluded.

Six bands and dancers were to perform on a make-shift stage in the parking lot.

Staff writer Bennie Scarton Jr. can be reached at 703-369-6707.