Willa Kelley and her son Joshua have always called their house a home filled with warmth and love. Last night, everything changed when a sudden chimney fire destroyed their home. The unexpected cold weather led Willa to light a fire in the fireplace, but the old chimney caught fire and quickly spread. Because the house was built in the 1890s and had no mortgage, there was no insurance to help them recover from this disaster. Now, Willa and Joshua are left without a place to live, and with no financial stability or income to fall back on.

Joshua, Willa’s youngest son, has severe autism, Down syndrome, and epilepsy. He experiences grand mal seizures almost weekly and needs to stay near Gainesville to be close to his doctors and receive the care he needs. The fire has taken nearly all of their belongings, but the most urgent need is to find a safe place for Willa and Joshua to live and begin rebuilding their lives.

The funds raised will go directly toward helping Willa and Joshua find temporary or permanent housing, depending on how much support they receive. Your generosity will also help them with everyday essentials like food, storage, and relief as they recover from this tragedy. Willa’s home and her loving heart have brought good memories to so many people over the years, and it’s heartbreaking to see it gone forever. Any help you can give will be deeply appreciated, and will help Willa and Joshua find peace and stability for the years ahead.