Knoxville TN, October 2, 2025
News Summary
Rosa Paschal, a longtime resident of Lonsdale, Knoxville, has moved into a new home after her previous house was destroyed by a fallen tree. The incident, which occurred two years ago, was traumatic, but she has received significant support from Knoxville’s Housing Rehabilitation Program, allowing her to rebuild on the same property. Mayor Indya Kincannon praised the program’s efforts to prevent displacement and support community residents. Rosa’s new home symbolizes hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
Knoxville—A new chapter has begun for Rosa Paschal, a longtime resident of Lonsdale, Knoxville, who recently moved into a newly constructed home after facing a devastating incident two years ago when a tree crashed through her house. The tree fell in Rosa’s bedroom, splitting the home in two and destroying nearly everything inside. Paschal believes she would have died if she had been home at the time of the incident.
After the tree fell, Paschal moved into an apartment with nothing to take from her destroyed home. Before the incident, she shared a fully paid-off house with her late husband, making the loss particularly heartbreaking. However, she has recently started over in a brand-new house built on the same property as her previous home, a development that marks a significant step forward for her.
Rosa expressed her happiness about the new house, stating that it provides her with peace of mind. This rebuild was made possible through Knoxville’s Housing Rehabilitation Program, an initiative designed to help residents repair or replace homes that have been damaged beyond livability. Mayor Indya Kincannon highlighted the program’s goal to prevent displacement and assist families in staying in their long-time neighborhoods, showcasing the city’s commitment to supporting residents in their recovery and rebuilding efforts.
The new home holds more significance for Paschal than just a physical structure; she feels truly blessed by the support she received throughout this process. The Housing Rehabilitation Program represents a vital resource for residents like Rosa, who have faced similar tragedies in their lives.
For residents interested in learning more about the Housing Rehabilitation Program, including eligibility and application details, information is available on the City of Knoxville’s website.
Background on the Housing Rehabilitation Program
The Housing Rehabilitation Program was established to assist residents whose homes have suffered significant damage. This includes assistance for repairs, replacements, and rebuilding efforts that ensure families can remain in their communities. By providing financial and logistical support, the program actively contributes to community stability, reinforcing the importance of maintaining long-term neighborhood ties.
Conclusion
Rosa Paschal’s story illustrates resilience in the face of adversity and the vital role that community support plays in recovery. Her new home is a beacon of hope, symbolizing restoration and the importance of helping residents navigate the challenges of home ownership after catastrophic events.
FAQ
What happened to Rosa Paschal’s home?
A tree crashed through her house, splitting it in two and destroying nearly everything inside.
Why does Rosa believe she would have died?
The tree fell in Rosa’s bedroom, and she believes she would have been killed if she had been home at the time.
What happened after the incident?
After the incident, Paschal moved into an apartment with nothing to take from her destroyed home.
What kind of house did Rosa share with her late husband?
She shared a fully paid-off house with her late husband prior to the incident.
What support helped Rosa rebuild her home?
The rebuild was made possible through Knoxville’s Housing Rehabilitation Program, aimed at helping residents repair or replace homes damaged beyond livability.
What is the goal of the Housing Rehabilitation Program?
Mayor Indya Kincannon emphasized the program’s goal to prevent displacement and help families stay in their long-time neighborhoods.
How does Rosa feel about her new home?
Rosa expressed happiness about the new house, stating it gives her peace of mind.
Where can residents find more information about the Housing Rehabilitation Program?
More information is available on the City of Knoxville’s website.
Key Features of Rosa Paschal’s Story
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Knoxville, Lonsdale |
| Incident | Tree fell through the house |
| Affected Area | Bedroom |
| Support Program | Knoxville’s Housing Rehabilitation Program |
| Mayor’s Goal | Prevent displacement, support residents |
| Rosa’s Feelings | Happy and at peace in new home |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WBIR: Knoxville Woman Rebuilds Life After Home Destroyed
- WATE: Construction Underway on Knoxville Widow’s New Home
- Knox News: Knoxville Homelessness is Up
- DNJ: Knoxville Firm Seeks Funds for Rehab
- Wikipedia: Housing Rehabilitation
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
