Councilmember Teri Castillo and the District 5 Team recently partnered with the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 1095, JR Ramon Demolition, and Raintree Transport to assist a family in the Memorial Heights Neighborhood.
In December 2023, a house fire left the family’s home uninhabitable, creating an urgent need for aid. The District 5 Office coordinated with City services and community partners to address the situation:
- The City of San Antonio Neighborhood and Housing Services Department provided relocation assistance.
- The Development Services Department’s Code Enforcement Section formulated a community action plan.
- The Solid Waste Management Department facilitated debris and trash pickup.
The fire damage required demolishing the home, with costs potentially exceeding $25,000. The family, including disabled matriarch Arlene and her children Anastacia and Tony, faced financial and logistical challenges. Anastacia took on extra work to save for the demolition.
On July 13, 2024, LiUNA Local 1095, JR Ramon Demolition, and Raintree Transport collaborated to complete the demolition and debris removal. This effort significantly reduced costs for the family, enabling them to focus on rebuilding their lives.
District 5 Councilmember Castillo remarked, “We are deeply grateful to LiUNA Local 1095, JR Ramon, and Raintree Transport for their swift and selfless response in aiding our community. Their efforts have provided a lifeline for this family, embodying the spirit of compassion and solidarity that defines our district.”
Matt Gonzales, Business Manager of LiUNA Local 1095 expressed, “When we learned of this family’s desperate need, our members knew we had to step in by providing our demolition expertise and volunteer time. As the Laborers’ Union, it is our duty and privilege to support our community in times of hardship. We also want to thank Councilwoman Castillo for her commitment to working with Labor to build a better San Antonio for everyone.”
Clayton, Vice President of JR Ramon Demolition said, “Watching our local District 5 Office take such an active role in assisting this family in our community was very heartening to see. We were happy to lend a hand in support of such a worthy effort.”
This collaborative effort underscores the impact of community-driven initiatives in San Antonio, showcasing the strength of collective action in aiding those in need.