Heather Wright/The Independent

Family of an Alvinston-area couple who lost their home to fire are trying to help with expenses after the fire.

On Halloween night, the family and their pets were forced from their Petrolia Line home after fire broke out. Fire officials believe it started in the furnace area.

While the couple, Mike and Melanie Schalk have home insurance, family members are trying to raise some money for expenses not covered by insurance.

Shelley Schalk says the family is trying to put back their lives. “Along with managing their own loss, they continue to care for two young grandchildren with disabilities, one of whom requires a wheelchair,” she wrote in the online GoFundMe appeal.

“Despite everything, their strength and compassion remain unshaken. Still, the reality of starting over is overwhelming. They are now in temporary housing and are  Any money raised will go directly to the family who are “facing many challenges as they navigate starting over and any funds goes towards cost not covered by insurance.”