Cimarron neighborhood homeowner Karen Rodriguez walked in the front door of her home on August 15, ready to stay.

That may not sound like much of a news story, but it is – and one that took many years to come to a conclusion.

Rodriguez, a widow in her mid-70s, has been fighting to get back into her home for the past nine years after the house was severely damaged during Hurricane Harvey in 2017. As previously reported by the Katy Times, Rodgriguez and her late husband tried to repair the damage from the storm themselves, only to be later scammed by a contractor who took $20,000 and vanished. While they fought the case in court, Rodriguez’s husband passed away from cancer. With her home still unlivable -- missing floors, walls, a kitchen, and bathrooms --she temporarily moved in with her son.

But the generous Katy community stepped up to help

Local nonprofit Katy Responds, which helps people in crisis to rebuild their homes after a natural or personal disaster in the Katy area, led the efforts to repair the residence, which needed drywall, repairs to the upper story, first floor bedrooms and bathrooms and kitchen, among other significant concerns.

Volunteers from Katy Responds led the repair of drywall and exterior painting and the nonprofit partnered with That 1 Painter for a “Paint It Forward” day on June 19 to paint the interior. Powerhouse Church ensured that flooring was installed. Members of other area churches contributed countless hours to the restoration as well. Volunteers from the National Charity League’s Azalea chapter stocked Rodriguez’ pantry and placed a beautiful gift basket in each room, from the kitchen to the primary bathroom to the study, readying the home for Rodriquez’ return. Rodriguez also received support from a local widows’ support group led by Katy resident Roxanne Cook.

Sasha Cox, CEO of Katy Responds, estimates that the value of the repairs to the residence – including materials and man-hours – exceeded $60,000. At the August 15 homecoming reception for Rodriguez, Cox said that this project demonstrated the three phases of a Katy Responds restoration: first making a residence safe and secure, then restoring dignity and hope, and finally -- “making a house a home.”

After walking through the front door, Rodriguez was overcome by emotion and amazement as she viewed the transformation. “This is my home,” she said. “I haven’t been home for a long time, and I am so grateful to Katy Responds.”

Rodriguez said that she will turn her home into a haven for other widows in the Katy area. “A lot of widows don’t have anywhere else to turn,” said volunteer Roxanne Cook.

And after a few more finishing touches to the Rodriguez home, Katy Reponds will move on to help other Katy-area families in need. There are two projects pending, to help the Cantu and Fruge families, said Alexandria Priebe, Katy Responds development coordinator.

To learn more about Katy Responds, go to https://www.katyresponds.org.