My name is Kathy (Skinner/Spencer) and I’m creating this fundraiser for one of my very best friends, Joelle — a devoted, hardworking single mother who has been completely wronged by a system that was supposed to protect her. All funds raised will only be used for the purpose to rebuild the house and replace her items. Once her home is back in line and in order the "GoFundMe" will be updated to no longer needed with photos.

For the last three years, Joelle has done everything right. She has never missed a house payment. She has never missed an insurance payment. She followed every rule, trusted every process, and kept fighting to hold her life together. But despite all her efforts, the very institutions meant to support her failed her in the most devastating ways.

How It All Started

Joelle filed an insurance claim for damage that was supposed to be fully covered under warranty. The insurance company sent in a contractor who gutted her house—then suddenly canceled her claim. No repair. No support. No restitution.

Left with an unlivable home, Joelle was forced to store everything she owned. But the nightmare didn’t end there. The storage facility lost many of her belongings and left others outside in the elements, beyond repair. Nearly all her soft goods and clothing are now infested with bedbugs and must be completely replaced.

She Fought Back — and Still Lost

Joelle did everything she could: she took the insurance company to court. Unfortunately, the settlement she received was nowhere near enough to replace what was stolen or ruined — and she was awarded nothing for pain, suffering, or the ongoing trauma she has endured.

To make matters worse, 40% of the small settlement must go to her attorney, who did not advocate for her the way she deserved.

What she is left with is barely enough to fix a single bathroom… while the rest of her home remains torn apart, unlivable, and unsafe.

Homeless, but Still Fighting

Over these three years, Joelle has had no stable place to live.

She has moved from friend’s couches… to family’s homes… to homeless shelters… and even slept in her car, all while holding down work and caring for her child.

She has fought harder than anyone should ever have to.

Why We’re Asking for Help

Joelle deserves the chance to rebuild her home — and her life.

She deserves stability. She deserves dignity.

She deserves to see that humanity hasn’t given up on her.

The goal of this fundraiser is to:

Repair multiple rooms that were gutted or damaged

Replace essential belongings lost or destroyed

Reclaim safe, clean clothing and household necessities

Allow her to finally move back into their home

Restore her hope after years of being let down by every system around her

Joelle is not someone who asks for help. She is the one who shows up for everyone else. But right now, she needs us — her community, her friends, and anyone with the heart to help — to lift her up.

Every donation, large or small, makes a real difference. Even so much as to donate sheetrock, plumbing, flooring, appliances, kitchen necessities and essentials. Anything helps and is appreciated.

If you can’t donate, sharing this campaign means the world.

Thank you for giving Joelle the chance to rebuild and feel safe again.

Thank you for helping her find faith in people and hope for the future.

Thank you for being the light in a very dark journey.