Alice Smith, an elderly woman from Haddonfield, New Jersey, almost lost her childhood home due to rising taxes. Diagnosed with polio as an infant, Alice faced mental and physical disabilities throughout her life. Her parents, knowing she would struggle to afford a home, ensured that their house was paid in full, allowing her to live there independently.
For several decades, Alice managed to live in her beloved home with the help of caretakers, including her brother and nephew. However, in 2017, a sudden increase in property taxes to $8,500 per year put her in jeopardy. Despite her parents’ savings being dedicated to covering costs, it still wasn’t enough. Alice faced the prospect of losing her home.
Fortunately, her family stepped in and started a GoFundMe campaign to support her. The response was overwhelming. The local community rallied together and donated a total of $16,260, surpassing the required amount for home repairs. This allowed Alice to qualify for a reverse mortgage and ultimately keep her home.
The generosity and support shown by the community inspired and encouraged Alice and her family. However, they also recognized that not everyone may be as fortunate. There are others who are elderly or physically handicapped, without a strong support network, facing the risk of losing their homes.
The hope is that stories like Alice’s will prompt decision-makers to reconsider policies and find ways to better support those who struggle to care for themselves. It’s crucial to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to maintain a stable and secure living arrangement.
In an update to the GoFundMe page, it was sadly mentioned that Alice passed away after being in the ICU due to medical complications. However, her deepest wish of spending the remaining years of her life in her childhood home was fulfilled. The kindness and generosity of those who supported her made it possible for her to live in the place she cherished until the end.
Have you ever witnessed a community coming together to help someone in need? If so, we would love to hear your story. If you found this article inspiring, please consider sharing it with a family member or friend who may also find it uplifting.
