A FAMILY is separated and asking for help after a fire destroyed their Clarkson Street home on December 6.
Rachael Bennell, her child Filix and sister Roslyn were thankfully not inside when flames quickly spread to the roof space of their house and adjoining unit.
The incident is still pending investigation, however an overheating fuse is likely to be a possible cause.
Ms Bennell and Filix are currently staying in a temporary refuge in Northam.
As the refuge accomodates mainly female domestic violence victims, her husband and eldest child cannot live with them.
"My oldest child is living with my husband in Perth," she said.
"They are turning away people in domestic violence situations to accommodate me, and I feel so bad others have to be left out."
Her mother Rebecca's house is also too full to accommodate Ms Bennell's family.
Originally from Northam, Ms Bennell moved back to her hometown in March.
The house on Clarkson Street was her first HomesWest property. Prior to relocating back to Northam, Rachael was living homeless in Culla cabardee, a north-eastern rural suburb of Perth.
"It was not a good place to raise children and I decided to leave," she said.
Still in shock, the young mother said she was struggling to process what had happened.
"I've been trying to catch a break and this happened," she said.
"I had just finished paying off a $3500 washer/dryer and it has been destroyed."
The only items left after the blaze were her mother-in-laws' bible and five family photos which were partially damaged.
The family's Christmas presents were all destroyed.
Ms Bennell has been canvassing the community for assistance, visiting Target and ComfortStyle Furniture and Bedding.
"Target offered me a $25 voucher, and Comfort Style gave me an old couch," she said.
"Whatever help I can get I am grateful for."
To assist Ms Bennell and her family get in touch on 0401 462 192.
