JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville mother and her two children, who lost everything in an apartment fire earlier this month, are celebrating a Christmas miracle, thanks to an outpouring of community support.
Sequenya “Queen” Akins and her children, who had been sleeping in their car and then a motel after the devastating fire, received keys to their new home on Christmas Eve.
The gift came after weeks of community efforts to help the displaced family.
“The tears that I cry now are not tears of hurt, not tears of sorrow, not tears of anger, but I am so happy,” Akins said. “I’m happy because my kids are beyond happy; they’re beyond grateful.”
The journey from unhoused to homecoming began when Pastor Key from Christ the Living Cornerstone Church secured a house for the family. However, the property needed significant renovations before it could become a home.
What followed was a cascade of community generosity:
- Native Flooring donated new flooring
- Ray’s Handyman Services provided installation services
- Breanna from Top to Bottom Cleaning thoroughly cleaned the entire house
- Local residents contributed clothing, blankets, shoes, and toys through a donation drive at Ricketts Electric
“All I wanted was a roof to put my kids under,” Akins said, overcome with emotion as she toured her furnished home. “I’m so grateful for pastor, the church, and the ones that were here sweeping, cleaning... everyone.”
The family’s story touched many in the Jacksonville community after News4JAX showed them sleeping in their car with only pillows in the backseat.
The response was immediate and overwhelming, transforming their situation from crisis to celebration just in time for Christmas.
Among the final surprises were toys collected from a local giveaway event and additional donations from community members.
Akins’ son, overwhelmed by the generosity, expressed his gratitude: “Thank you, Jacksonville. We love you. God bless you.”
“God showed up, and He sent his angels,” Akins said. “From the bottom of our hearts, Jacksonville, my kids and I truly thank you guys for everything.”
The family moved into their new home on Christmas Eve, marking the end of their period of homelessness and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.
“We pray nothing but an abundance of blessings over each and every one of you,” Akins said.