House Fire Support for Doreen Houghton-Johnson

On Thursday, November 5th, my dear friend Doreen Haughton-Johnson and her daughter Briana, both long time West Orange residents, lost their home on Franklin Avenue to a fire. It is reported the home went up in flames very quickly. The two alarm blaze began on the second floor and destroyed most of the structure.  Consequently, water, heat and smoke damaged the remaining apartments below and the contents within. There was little that was salvageable. Given the extent of the damage, the West Orange fire department shuttered the home and deemed it uninhabitable. Although all the tenants are now displaced, everyone emerged safely and without injury. We send heartfelt thanks to the Red Cross and The West Orange and Montclair fire departments who responded quickly, put out the flames and provided support to the families left homeless. 

My friend Doreen is an amazing, kind and generous single mom who despite this tremendous loss, remains positive and grateful for life’s blessings. She and her daughter are optimistic they will get through this difficult and scary time. 

After much convincing, Doreen and Briana have agreed to allow me to create this page and share their story with those who love them. It’s my hope that together as a community, we can help lessen the financial burden this loss has created and help a truly wonderful single mom and daughter through this tragic event.  

Thank you all for your financial support, well wishes and for covering this family in prayer. We are humbled and grateful for you support and kindness.

Thank you so much,

Jonathan, Lucy & Mark Najera