Rising From the Ashes – Karin’s Story
Imagine having everything you own swept away from you in a matter of hours. This was the heartbreaking reality for Karin Johnson when she came home to a pile of ashes where her house once stood. Every piece of clothing, family photo, and precious memorabilia was lost in the flames. Ironically, the only room that survived the fire was Karin’s self-proclaimed “junk” storage with items she had been meaning to get rid of for months.
“It really made me appreciate the little things because I went from having stability, safety, and shelter, to none of that in the blink of an eye.” Karin said.
With her family living across different states and not wanting to intrude on their lives, Karin was at a loss of where to go. She stayed in the charred shell of her home for weeks trying to protect what little she had left, but finally made the tough decision to get in her truck and leave her old home behind. After searching tirelessly for places to stay, Karin finally found an apartment complex she could afford.
Though it wasn’t the most luxurious place, Karin was grateful she didn’t have to spend another night sleeping in her truck. Having a small yet safe place to call her own was everything to Karin, and she adored her little apartment. However, this sense of security was short-lived. In 2018, the devastating Camp Fire raged across Northern California, forcing over 52,000 people to evacuate and creating a desperate shortage of housing. The need for shelter exceeded the supply at the time, causing many apartment complexes like Karin’s, to drastically raise rent. According to Karin, her rent almost immediately doubled from $550/month to $1050/month. Despite selling her truck to help financially, Karin was eventually evicted from her apartment to make room for Camp Fire victims willing to pay higher rents.
Without a vehicle or a home once again, Karin realized she was in desperate need of assistance. After talking to some people she knew in the area, Karin eventually found herself renting out a room at an old acquaintance’s home. Karin recalls that the property was gorgeous, with a large 6 bedroom, 2-story house. However, Karin’s experience here was less than desirable. She had a roof over her head, but no refrigerator, heater, or her own bathroom. Living with a family that were practically strangers to her was also difficult, as there were many instances where personalities clashed. One afternoon, when Karin got into an argument with the son of the household, she was promptly asked to leave.
This eviction hit harder for Karin, as she sat for hours at a picnic table contemplating what to do next. She had already tried to dig herself out of this situation and faced failure multiple times. The overwhelming fear of living on the streets and having her belongings stolen from her again was too much to bear. She knew she had to do something and fast. Karin decided to make a phone call to human resources requesting housing assistance. To her surprise, she received a call back from Habitat for Humanity Yuba/Sutter saying that they had a home available for her at Purpose Place.
This news was such a relief to Karin, as she was worried that she wouldn’t make it out on the streets for much longer. When she finally arrived at her new home, the overwhelming sense of joy and gratitude was indescribable. The sight of a safe and secure place she could call her own brought tears to her eyes. From the pillow underneath her head, to the airfryer on her counter, Karin found appreciation in all of the little aspects of her apartment. Each item represented a step toward reclaiming her life and rebuilding her sense of stability. The comfort of having a bed to sleep in, a kitchen to prepare meals, and a space to relax in, gave her a newfound sense of peace and security.
Living in a gated community provides Karin with an added layer of safety. She feels comforted in knowing that she is surrounded by neighbors who choose to uplift and support each other. This sense of community was something Karin had longed for during her time of despair. Now, she feels connected to the residents at Purpose Place knowing that she was not alone in her journey.
Karin expresses her heartfelt thanks to the Habitat for Humanity Yuba/Sutter staff for their unwavering support and dedication.
“This place has given me the breathing room to gather my thoughts about what I want to do next in life” Karin said.
Currently, Karin is pursuing a career as a drug and alcohol counselor for juveniles, hoping to inspire young people to make positive choices that better their lives. She hopes her story will encourage others to seek help and remind everyone that it’s never too late to start over and build a brighter future.
“Whether you need treatment or guidance or some other support, there’s resources here that are available. Just reach out” she says.
