KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — A Knoxville widow will be getting a new home after hers was destroyed during a storm last August. Her old home will be demolished, and then construction of a new home will begin on the property she has owned for decades.

Rosa Paschal was at a loss not knowing what her next step would be four months ago. At the time, WATE encouraged her to talk with the City of Knoxville. She did and found out was she’s eligible and has accepted a loan available through Knoxville’s Housing and Neighborhood Development Office.

The house Paschal has called home for more than 20 years is beyond repair. A tree on the property next to her home was blown down during the August 7, 2023, storm slicing through the roof and slamming into her bedroom and the one next to it.

“It was in the middle, it came straight down on my bed. It leaned this way,” said Paschal.

She would like to get into her bedroom to retrieve her wedding picture that’s tacked up on the wall, but sharp edges from sagging, broken beams frighten her. It’s too dangerous to enter it and the other room. She added that nothing is salvageable in the rooms.

Paschal showed WATE her home last October hoping it could be rebuilt. From the outside, damage to the 60-year-old structure wasn’t as visible because of the tarp covering it. Paschal said her late husband, who died in 2014, managed the details regarding their home. She shared that everything was paid off on the house. However, she did not have homeowners insurance.

“No, I didn’t have it. He had it, but at the time, I didn’t know how to go through the paperwork and all,” said Paschal.

A recent letter from Knoxville’s housing office said Paschal’s house cannot be repaired. However, she is eligible for a new two-bedroom home that will be built on her property. She believes the loan she’s offered is manageable. It would be a direct loan for 20 years at $107 a month.

“I want a place to stay. If that is what I have to go through to get my house done, I will. I’m tired,” said Paschal. “I want in my house.”

Beth Bacon manages Knoxville’s Housing and Neighborhood Development office. She and rehabilitation Specialist Doug Sherrod have been working with Rosa. They said she’s accepted the Owner Occupied Rehabilitation Loan.

“It is a program offered by the City of Knoxville for low-income homeowners. It is funded by HUD. So, we use the HUD funds. They govern what we have to do in someone’s home,” said Bacon.

In terms of Paschal’s home, Bacon shared what’s going to happen.

“Unfortunately, hers is going to cost more to rehab because it has some extensive damage. So, we are going to tear that house down and give her a new one,” said Bacon. “The direct loan will go for 20 years and the deferred payment loan will be 15. It will be forgiven as long as she has taxes paid and insurance on the home.”

Paschal is looking forward to the day when she can move into her new home.

“So, I’ll be starting over,” said Paschal. “I’m just tired. I’m just ready to settle down.”

Since funding for the owner-occupied rehabilitation program is through the federal government’s Housing and Urban Development Office, there is a lot of red tape involved. It will likely take a while for the project to begin, Paschal is aware of this. She may not be in her new home until next year, but she is okay with that.

By the way, housing director Beth Bacon said there is no waiting list for those who may qualify for the owner-occupied rehab loan.