New beginning for family who lost home after storm

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla.- A brand new beginning for a local family of eight.

Just weeks ago, a tree fell on the roof of their Golden Gate rental home.

Now, John Fowler and his family have finally found a new home.

“We were having a hard time finding a house to rent, but we finally got one.”

The Fowlers went through heartache in June after the home they had been renting for eight years was crushed by a tree during a storm.

After living in a hotel for almost a month, the family is moving to a home in Lehigh Acres.

But, they had no furniture. Thanks to Helps Outreach, they were able to change that. The Christian organization helps 3,000 people a month.

“We supply food, furniture, household items,” said Angie Valentini. “Everything is free of charge because it’s donated to us and we believe, you know, freely we receive, we give.”

WINK News was there as the furniture was loaded up into a truck, providing the Fowlers with a bedroom and dining room set, couches, washer and dryer and a TV.

“They’ll continue to come to fulfill other needs that they have, but right now i’ts just what we can do for today,” said Valentini.

After everything was locked and loaded, the owner and a volunteer delivered the furniture to the Fowlers’ new home.

“I just want to thank anyone who has helped,” said Fowler. “I just want to give my heart and thanks to them.”

When WINK News first told you about this story, the Fowlers were asking their landlord for their rent and deposit back. They did not get the full amount but were happy to get just over $1,300.