Killeen Community Rebuilds After Apartment Fire - kcentv.com - KCEN HD - Waco, Temple, and Killeen

(KCEN) -- The community is reacting to Friday's apartment fire in Killeen that left three people dead and over 30 people homeless.

The complex is a total loss but the surrounding community has come together to do whatever they can to help.

Last night, single mom Christina Buentello and her five kids lost everything.

And today, her daughter Penelope turns 7, not the type of birthday they had originally planned.

"Every time I go to sleep I just see flames," Christina says.

Christina could easily be angry that her home is gone, but that wasn't the emotion she expressed.

"I'm grateful that I'll be able to get over this sooner or later."

Although the apartment is a total loss, the surrounding community has dropped everything to make sure they aid those in need, like the help center across the street

Devon Cooper of Victory Gospel Spiritual Center says, "We can't financially give them anything but we can give our love our prayers and whatever clothing we have for them."

And nearby neighbors are turning scrap metal into cash donations.

"Anything that is trash or metal that we could donate and give to the people," says neighbor Ashley Dunson.

Even the property manager was humbled by the communities countless efforts.

"These people around here are the best I've ever worked with," says Don Gross.

"We are looking for an attorney right now to help us set up a trust fund, and Chase Bank has agreed to help.  They are going to wave all of the fees, they have agreed to put a trust fund in for all of these people"

"Now they are actually wanting to help, I'm shocked."

Christina and her five kids moved into a new apartment today, rent free and she admits she feels overwhelmed.

As for 7 year old Penelope, this is a birthday she'll never forget.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Victory Gospel Chapel in Killeen is accepting donations for families affected by the fire.

To make donations for victims of the fire, such as clothing, toys and household items, please contact Stephanie at armywifeda7x@yahoo.com

Reporter:  Jordan Bontke  jbontke@kcentv.com