Nationwide — Christine Marshall, an 82-year-old African American woman from Memphis, Tennessee, lived in her car for years after a tree destroyed her home. Community donations and local support later helped her move into a newly built and fully furnished house in South Memphis.
A neighbor first raised concern after spotting her sleeping in the heat near a damaged structure in Memphis, Tennessee. The situation was reported to a local news station, which helped bring attention to her living conditions and sparked public support, according to WREG.
As the story spread, help started coming in. Memphis contractor Jason Smith stepped forward after seeing the report on the news and began coordinating donated materials and labor to rebuild a home for her. At the same time, Marshall’s son launched a GoFundMe campaign that raised nearly $80,000 to support her needs.
On Monday, Marshall moved into her new home on South Parkway in South Memphis. The house was built through donations and community effort on the same property where she once lived for 30 years before a neighbor’s tree destroyed her home.
The next day, she toured the finished home and expressed gratitude while speaking in a whisper due to throat cancer. She said, “It’s what I’ve always wanted,” as she looked around the rooms.
Members of Mt. Zion AME Church also honored Marshall before the home was completed. The church is located near her former house, and leaders said they did not know she had been living in her car until her story came out. Despite her situation, she continued to give during church services.
Marshall later reflected on the support she received and said, “I love them. There are no words to say what I feel.”