FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A popular South Florida charity suffered a major setback Tuesday afternoon after flames tore through its Fort Lauderdale headquarters.
The Team Of Life building was damaged in the fire, which broke out behind the refrigerator.
The organization, run by Essie "Big Mama" Reed, suffered water and smoke damage to the kitchen, living room and dining room.
Reed said her family heard a loud explosion from a transformer in the backyard, which had been having issues since Hurricane Irma knocked out power to the area.
Reed said she was still recovering from her losses during Hurricane Irma, and now the fire has set her back even more. She's is devastated by the fire, but insists that she will rebuild one way or another.
"It's 'Big Mama's' house for everybody," she said. "If you don't have a place to stay, we try to squeeze you in. If you need food and we have it, you got it. Yes, this is my job. It's hard. It's like a beginning all over."
The building, which is located at 2136 NW Eighth St., was constructed on the show "Extreme Makeover" in 2006.
Reed has been running the charitable organization since 2000.
Those interested in helping Reed recover from the hurricane and fire can do so through the Team of Life's website or the group's Facebook page.