AUSTIN, Texas — Corey Hornsby is known as "Big Corey" to many, thanks to his big heart and personality, according to those who know him best. His house on 4603 Craigwood Drive is part of him and considered home base to his grandchildren, cousins and other relatives.
But earlier this week, a fire ripped through the home, leaving the inside with extensive damage. It's left Big Corey without a place to live and his loved ones without a place to visit.
Kamrie Walker considers Hornsby her second father and decided to take matters into her own hands. With the help of family and friends, Walker rallied the troops and started a fundraiser. Meals were packed and ready to go right in front of 4603 Craigwood Drive on Saturday, with the hope of selling enough to restore the home they all love so much.
"He doesn't really have much, but his love is what means the most to everyone and we're out here to raise funds for it – maybe to even try to get the home back, restore it or just at least raise enough funds for him to be able to move on or move forward," Walker said.
After the fire, Hornsby was sleeping inside of his truck outside of the home. His cousin, Rena Newman, said he couldn't bare to let it go.
"The first two days he was sitting out here. He didn't want to leave the house," Newman said. "He was in shock."
Newman said she wouldn't let that go on for much longer and gave Big Corey a place to stay in the meantime – because according to Newman, he'll "always have somewhere to go."
PHOTOS: Fundraiser for man who lost home in East Austin fire
Hornsby took the incident as one simply out of his hands and said it could have been much worse.
"We take this and keep on building from this right here, and that's for anybody, anybody, because what I'm going through right now, somebody else is going through something worse," Hornsby said.
He added, "What I'm seeing is beautiful. Took a bad and made it good, you know. I just – I can't say no more words."
Newman and Walker said they will be hosting a barbecue fundraiser every Saturday in front of the home until they are able to raise as much as they need for Hornsby,
"4603 brings us together, whether it's good or bad. 4603 – it's always been a family home," Newman said.
If you would like to help Big Corey, a GoFundMe has been set up to help him.