Police are investigating the October 19 fire that destroyed the Perth St house.
Givealittle fundraising has since raised more than $19,000 for the family.
Mr Wicks, a popular Oamaru artist widely known as Wicksey, said the people of Oamaru had shown their support in many ways.
"The community has been amazing," he said.
"And not just the givealittle; the little things like coming up to me in public and asking ‘how are you doing?’.
"The hugs, from people we know and strangers as well ... They just want to know you are OK."
The family is now in temporary accommodation with relatives and has been receiving other support.
Police in Oamaru are investigating the cause of the house fire that has been deemed suspicious.
He said police had been "professional but caring" and praised the support the family has received from other agencies.
"We felt cared for. They really have the best interest of the people they’re dealing with at heart," Mr Wicks said.
"Same with the emergency services people — the fire department, the ambulance people we dealt with — they just treated you like a friend. That was really nice."
Mr Wicks and his wife, Emma, who is pregnant with the couple’s second child, have received counselling that has helped them to process events.
"There was a lot to mentally process with this," he said.
"Each day gets a wee bit better.
"Not relying on help but just accepting help, that was a tough one ... for me to get my head around.
"That doesn’t mean not dealing with your problems. You get help, you talk to people, you’ve got to grow and move on and do what you can."
Money from a Waitaki Boys’ High School mufti day fundraiser last Friday is going to Hato Hone St John at Mr Wicks’ request.
