GRAHAM, Ala. — Six months ago, an Alabama woman lost her home and barn in a devastating tornado that tore through Randolph County. Alethea Olds is now getting a new house with help from Habitat for Humanity.
The storm left Olds with a heavily damaged structure and little hope for recovery.
"We had no windows, and part of the door was missing," Olds said. "It just tore up so much."
The tragedy struck suddenly, nearly catching Olds in its path. She credited her 17-year-old grandson for saving her life. In the months following, she was unable to afford repairs.
"We really didn’t have the means to do anything to that house," she explained.
Olds lives with her family and pets with most of her appliances destroyed too.
"It's just me and the grandkids. And yes, we didn't have insurance," Olds said. "So, we [were] just stuck with it like it was. It's been a pretty rough six months."
However, Habitat for Humanity stepped in to fill the need. Sandie Pike, CEO of Habitat for Humanity in six counties in Georgia and Alabama, said the organization couldn’t ignore Olds’ plight.
"When I go to bed at night, all I can know is that she’s in a cold place," Pike said.
Pike said she only wishes she could have started earlier.
"It was critical that we get her out of there as fast as possible," Pike said.
The team quickly mobilized, completing the ambitious project in just 45 days.
"We received funding in so that I could build three new homes in Randolph County, in this area. And so, immediately, within seven days of receiving those funds, we started construction here. We worked day and night," Pike said. "I was here until 10:30 last night."
Instead of repairing Olds’ former home, Habitat for Humanity gifted her a fully furnished, brand-new house two miles away.
"We have friends and family that came in and helped with landscaping and stuff," Olds said. "Everybody has really pitched in and done their part."
Now, just in time for Thanksgiving, Olds and her family are preparing to sleep in their new home for the first time.
"She’s done everything," Olds said, expressing her gratitude. "She told us that our clothes would be all we needed to bring, and she was right. I love it."