KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — It’s been two years since a tornado destroyed homes and apartments in Knoxville. One of the houses belonged to an elderly widow who was left with nothing. Now, she has a new home.
When we first met Rosa Paschal, she was heartbroken after a downed tree had sliced her house in half. Her homeowner’s insurance had expired, and everything inside her place was ruined. Paschal didn’t know what to do next or where to turn. We recommended that she contact the City of Knoxville’s housing department. Her call paid off.
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Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon wanted to make sure Paschal received a welcome home she’ll remember. Paschal has been looking forward to the day she could move into her new place. The 800-square-foot home has two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a modern kitchen. She qualified for an Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Loan after the house on her property was destroyed two years ago.
“It’s been a while, but I’m very happy to be in my new house and I don’t have to worry about anything anymore,” said Paschal.
Through federal loans from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, the city opens six to eight replacement homes like this one every year. Paschal’s took six months to build.
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“We want people to get access to these programs and resources. Whether you need a minor repair, a major repair, or in Rosa’s case, an entirely new home,” said Kincannon…