Client Story: Catherine

Hurricane Irma obliterated the Eatonville apartment Catherine lived in for 19 years. When a tree crashed on her home during the storm she ran outside and took shelter in her truck until the storm had passed.

“The whole apartment was leaking so I said I can’t stay here because the ceiling would have fallen on me no matter where I was standing,” Catherine said. “It was a little scary, but I’m still alive, and that’s all that mattered.”

Catherine’s landlord relocated her to another apartment for months until renovations and repairs could be made. Catherine had lost everything.

Now, she’s back in her apartment, which will soon be filled with all the basic furnishings needed to turn her empty space into a home.

“I’m overwhelmed,” Catherine said of receiving furniture assistance, “because it was a long time coming. It took an emotional toll on me, and it set me back. But I had to be patient. I’m a fighter, baby.”