SAN LEON, Texas – The future of a San Leon women’s shelter is uncertain after a Christmas Day fire.

The blaze, believed to have been sparked by a Christmas tree, not only ruined the building, but also a lot of history that went along with it.

Ray Leslie took 11 News on a tour of what remained of the Omega Alpha House Friday.

“Over here was our patio, where the girls come out and use the pay phones,” Leslie said, gesturing through the debris. “A lot of laughter and a lot of tears right there on those benches.”

The Omega Alpha House had been a beacon of hope for women who struggled with alcohol and drug addictions.

Leslie served as a crisis counselor there, helping addicts learn how to live again.

“God always comes through. And It’s always on His time and His way,” Leslie said.

But Thursday, the fire had its way instead. Officials said 20 residents and a house manager escaped the blaze.

“I just needed to get my girls out of the house and call 911,” house manager Maria Charles said.

After Hurricane Ike, the building was seriously damaged.  It took months to complete the repairs and just minutes to reduce all of those efforts to charred rubble.

Now the woman who founded Omega Alpha 16 years ago wonders what will happen next.

“My heart’s very heavy today. I am very lost and scattered and confused,” owner Deborah Varner said.

Varner is desperate to find a place and a way to carry on the work that has touched so many.

The big issue right now for Omega Alpha is time.  While many of the women who were receiving help there have been reassigned to similar programs elsewhere, a good number of them have gone home and aren’t getting any help at all.

Varner said the house needs donations to rebuild.  If you would like to help, just visit any Amegy Bank.  They have established a fund for Omega Alpha where donations can be made.