The plan worked well for several decades during which time Alice was able to live in the house independently with some light help from dedicated carers, including her brother and nephew.
However, in 2017, an unexpected change threatened Alice’s living situation. Property taxes have been increased to $8,500 per year. Since the large tax increase could not have been calculated by her parents before their deaths, this meant that the sexist daughter would eventually default on her payments and have to foreclose on her house.
Tragically, the money Alice’s beloved parents saved all their lives wasn’t enough to cover the mounting costs. The elderly, disabled woman was about to be evicted from her childhood home. But then a GoFundMe started by his family members changed things.
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After the tax hike, Alice’s family members helped step in and cover the teams, but it wasn’t long before they could pay the higher taxes as well.
It was a shame that New Jersey, Alice’s home, had some of the highest property taxes in the country. In addition, the old house required several repairs to remain in working order. Alice’s family members tried to get a reverse mortgage on the house, but that was ultimately not possible due to repairs that needed to take place first, which also cost money.
In an interview with FOX News, Alice was asked how she would react if someone asked her to come home, and in an expressive response she said she would tell that person “to go to hell”. The house was not only her home, but also the only home she had ever known, filled with memories of her parents and her personal history.
Over time, Alice’s brother and grandson knew that the list of available options was shrinking day by day. So they decided to start a GoFundMe campaign to help raise money for their home renovation. With improvements and repairs, they hoped the house would qualify for a reverse mortgage.
In a turn of events that restored their faith in humanity, the response to GoFundMe has been overwhelmingly positive. Alice and her family were stunned by the public reaction to her situation.
The local community ended up donating more than enough money, which totaled $16,260. The large sum was enough to cover the necessary repairs Alice’s house needed to undergo before the reverse mortgage was approved, which meant Alice could keep her house.
Alice’s nephew, Mark Smith, told Fox News at the time that the family was “extremely surprised and very encouraged” by the success of GoFundMe. he added:
“I just said there is someone in need and how quickly people respond.”
Although Alice’s status was saved from donations, Mark expressed concern that others might not be so lucky. he said:
“There are other people who may not have the support network that Alice has… who may also be elderly or physically disabled, possibly driven from their homes.”
Reporting on the story, Fox News reporter Bill Anderson expressed hope that Alice’s story would inspire policy makers to consider changing policies and how it affects the many people, like Alice , who find it difficult to take care of themselves.
In a February 28, 2019 GoFundMe page update, Mark wrote that Alice died after being in the intensive care unit due to medical complications. he said:
Suffering from physical ailments, Alice’s only wish was to stay in her home for the rest of her years. The generosity of everyone who supported her made her wish come true. She lived in her house through it all.
finished post:
“Thank you all again for ensuring that her remaining years lived as she wanted and deserved.”
