Help Linda with a Tiny Home-A Disabled Widow’s New Start

Help Build a Tiny Home for Linda – A Disabled Widow’s New Start

Hi, my name is Julie Van Doren Hart, and I’m fundraising on behalf of my sister, Linda Van Doren Philbrick.

Linda is a 64-year-old disabled widow who has been through more than most. She lost her youngest son at the early age of 15. On December 26, 2022, she lost her beloved husband of 40 years, Ken. The two of them had spent the last five years of their life together living in their travel trailer in Colorado. Though both were disabled, they found joy and strength in each other’s company. Ken was the love of her life.

After Ken’s unexpected passing, Linda was forced to move the trailer. She brought it to Parsons, Kansas, where she parked it on family property next to her only child. There she could receive help with her physical and financial needs while still maintaining her independence.

Linda lives on less than $1,000 a month, and her modest travel trailer is her home. After about six months, city code enforcement told her she could not legally live in an RV or trailer within city limits.

She didn’t give up! Linda launched a petition to create a special permit for disabled individuals needing to live near family. She gathered an incredible 900 signatures in a town of only 9,000 people. This support included her church, family, neighbors, and friends, many of whom know her story. The city declined the permit, but agreed to let her remain on the lot if she replaced the RV with a legal residence. There’s a solution, but she can’t afford it on her own.

We’re now raising funds to build Linda a simple 16 x 36 tiny home—a cozy one-bedroom with room for her little dog, Harley. She’s also applying for a disability housing grant, but we know the need is great and the process can take time. The city has given her a timeline of about 4 months to remove the trailer. The house must be done by then.

Linda has told me again and again, “God knows where I am, He knows who I am, and He won’t drop me.” Her faith is strong, and I believe that God works through people—people like you, who see someone in need and choose to help.

If you feel moved by Linda’s story, please consider donating or sharing this page. Every gift brings us one step closer to giving Linda the peace, safety, and dignity she deserves.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

With love and hope,

Julie Hart & Linda Philbrick