Judy's Story

For many, home represents security. A place that provides comfort and serves as an anchor in this fast-moving world. It stores the precious memories of both past and future.
In December of 2021, Judy’s idea of security dramatically shifted when her home was destroyed in a devastating fire. Judy, who resides in Lincoln, is a mother to seven girls, four of whom live at home. Luckily, these four daughters were at school at the time of the fire.
Recounting the events of that day, Judy says she was walking home from the store when she saw the unthinkable, the sight of her home completely engulfed in flames. “It was crazy. All I could see was smoke coming from my house,” Judy said. “I just had this gut-wrenching feeling in my stomach, realizing we had lost everything. All that I have ever owned was in that house and it had just turned to dust.”
Even upon the fire department’s swift arrival, it was too late. The fire had destroyed everything. Judy, her husband, and their young daughters were now left to pick up the pieces of the beloved home they once knew.
Coupled with this tragedy, Judy was also dealing with the loss of her grandfather, who passed away a few days after the fire. “I want to say God gave me the strength in all of this,” Judy said. “When you lose your home and then lose your,r grandfather, you realize which one is more valuable. It gives you perspective.” With the incredible weight of devastation on her shoulders, Judy contacted Catholic Charities.
Judy received assistance through the Disaster Relief Program, which helped her cover the deposit and rent expenses for her family’s next home. Judy says the support of Catholic Charities has been nothing short of divine intervention.
“Catholic Charities was a place I could reach out and have a conversation with zero judgment,” Judy said. “It was like God sent some angels to steer us in the right direction.” This direction, Judy says, is a fresh start in a new home. She holds an optimistic outlook, crediting the support of Catholic Charities as what carried her family through this incredibly difficult time.
“Through all of this, I realized you have it all and nothing in a matter of days,” Judy said. “If it were not for Catholic Charities’ help, we would have ended up having to move to a different city and go to a homeless shelter. Catholic Charities was that help from above that got us through this loss and is giving us hope for the future.”
To learn more about Catholic Charities’ Disaster Relief program, visit ccnks.org/disaster.