The Goodmans said a lightning strike started a fire at their home on Friday. Since then, the community has rallied to support them.
SUGAR LAND, Texas — People from across Texas are helping a Sugar Land family after they lost nearly everything in a house fire.
Kristin Goodman was at the Houston Rodeo when she believed lighting from Friday’s storms hit their house. Goodman said many people have helped them in their recovery. The family is in awe of the support they received.
“I was at the rodeo, went with my older daughter and a friend to see Jonas Brothers,” said Goodman, who is head volleyball coach at Stephen F. Austin High School.
She’s also an integrated physics and chemistry teacher, a track and field coach, coaches club volleyball and her oldest daughter is a competitive cheerleader.
“I was coming home from work, riding my bike, I got caught in a hailstorm,” said Rex Goodman, Kristin’s husband.
He said he got home and noticed the power wasn’t working. After getting inside, he said their dog alerted him that something was wrong.
Goodman said he saw smoke coming from the chimney. He called 911 and then FaceTimed his wife. For Kristin, the images brought back a memory.
“Almost 20 years ago, my house was struck by lightning and burnt down and it was my first day of spring break. It’s very eerie that this has happened twice in my lifetime,” she said.
The couple says the Sugar Land Fire Department was on the scene in five minutes. The Goodmans said the first responders prevented the fire from spreading to their daughter’s rooms and also saved one of Kristin’s family keepsakes.
“My grandmother passed a few years ago and the one thing was her piano, and they helped salvage it,” she said.
Firefighters covered the piano with a tarp. Many of their belongings were destroyed during the fire, but they are grateful no one was hurt.
Goodman’s aunt started a GoFundMe to help with the repairs, which Kristin shared on X, formerly Twitter. The account surpassed its goal quickly.
“I never thought in my wildest dreams we’d get over $30,000, from people showing their love and support, that some have never even met us, you know? It’s so crazy to see that,” Kristin said.
She said it helps her feel at ease as they think about what’s next.
“We are so grateful because we wouldn’t have anything if they didn’t [act],” Rex Goodman said.
He’s thankful the firefighters acted quickly to limit the damage.
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