Refuge for the Rock

A group of people are sitting outside in chairs for an event. A middle-aged man is giving keys to a house to a middle-aged woman who is sitting down.

HOMEOWNER Shirley Holcomb
PROJECT New Home
BUILDER Appalachia Service Project
LOCATION Letcher County, KY

Through Housing Can’t Wait, ASP welcomed home Shirley Holcomb, an older adult with a disability who lives on a fixed income. Despite losing her home of 26 years and irreplaceable items—like family photos—she will not get back, she is grateful that she and her two grandchildren are safe. Shirley’s children are also devastated because Shirley’s home was a place of refuge for them.

Tracey, one of Shirley's daughters, explains, “Mom has always taken care of us. When we need somewhere to go, we always come home to mom. Mom is the rock of our family.”

Shirley spent many years as a homemaker, raising her three children and three grandchildren. When Shirley wasn't taking care of the family, she worked in her ex-husband's auto repair shop. Tracey is inspired by her mom’s selflessness, as she always cared for others around her. Other family members, also moved by her altruism, advocated for ASP on her behalf.

Tracey, one of Shirley's daughters, explains, “Mom has always taken care of us. When we need somewhere to go, we always come home to mom. Mom is the rock of our family.”

From Rescue to Respite

Resilient and Rebuilding