Tragic Fire Took All ; Help Restore The Little House II

Hi, my name is Alyssa, and with the support of many in our community, I’m organizing this GoFundMe to help the owner of The Little House II, an adult family home provider who lost everything in a devastating fire.

This fundraiser is for a woman named Catherine, who has dedicated her life to caring for others. The Little House II was a licensed adult family home that served a diverse group of residents, including individuals in their 30s and others in their 80s , each with unique needs and stories. The home was staffed by Catherine herself, her sister, a husband and wife caregiver team, and their 16 year old daughter, who all lived on site. Together, they provided 24/7 care to six vulnerable adults, creating a warm, supportive environment that felt more like a family than a facility.

What is The Little House II?

You might be wondering, why is it called “Little House II”?

This was Catherine’s second beginning. After losing the lease on her first adult family home, she didn’t give up. She rebuilt, reinvested, and reopened in a new location creating The Little House II as a symbol of resilience, love, and commitment to the people she serves.

What Happened?

It was a typical day. One of the residents, in their wheelchair, wheeled themselves out onto the back porch to enjoy the sunshine and listen to the birds. Just moments later, a caregiver opened the door to check on them and was met by a sudden, explosive wall of fire.

The caregiver reacted instantly, slamming the door shut and beginning to evacuate everyone inside.

Her quick thinking saved the lives of five of the six residents, as well as the caregiver team and their teenage daughter.

Tragically, the resident who had gone out onto the porch did not survive. Firefighters later told the caregiver that if she hadn’t shut the door when she did, the fire would have consumed the entire home within seconds. Only a small piece of the resident’s wheelchair was found in the wreckage where the fire started.

Why We’re Asking for Help

This fire destroyed:

• The licensed adult family home where six residents had been living

• All of the residents’ belongings, medical equipment, and comfort items

• The jobs and housing for the on-site caregiver family

• The business itself, which was Catherine’s livelihood and life’s work

• And most heartbreakingly, a beloved resident who was like family to all

While the five surviving residents have been safely placed in alternate adult family homes, Catherine and her care team now face the daunting task of picking up the pieces and rebuilding from scratch.

How the Funds Will Be Used

Your donations will help with:

• Temporary housing and essentials for the caregiver family who lived in the home

• Replacement of lost caregiving equipment and supplies so Catherine can begin the process of reopening

• Recovery costs related to lost income, business operations, and regulatory steps to re-license

• Trauma and grief support for the caregivers who experienced the fire firsthand

• Clothing, school supplies, and basic needs for the 16 year old who lived in the home with her caregiver parents

Your support will also help restore some of the comfort and dignity that was lost.

Two of the former residents lost their PlayStations and Xbox consoles, which brought them joy and connection. Though they’ve been safely relocated, their belongings were left behind in the fire. A 16-year-old girl who lived at the home now has no new clothes or school supplies for the upcoming school year. Favorite perfumes, colognes, socks, and small personal comforts were also destroyed in the fire.

They didn’t just lose a roof , they lost the little things that made life feel normal and personal.

How You Can Support

• Donate any amount, no matter how small, will make a meaningful difference

• Share please help us reach more people by spreading this campaign

• Leave a message your encouragement means more than you know

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for showing up for The Little House II family.

Let’s help them rise from the ashes and begin again together.