JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 72-year-old woman who was left homeless after her house caught fire earlier this year was welcomed back to her home Friday.
Days before the fire that destroyed her Arlington home, Marti Williams was brutally attacked. But Friday night, the Arlington community surrounded Williams with love and helped her make a new start.
For the past three months members of the community have come together to rebuild the home of one of their own.
Dozens of people ranging from contractors to donors to firemen, police officers and neighbors who played a role in rebuilding Williams' home were there to welcome her back into the home that's now being called "The house that love rebuilt."
The Justice Coalition rallied the community of Arlington after hearing that the elderly woman was choked, beaten and robbed in April. Days after that attack, Williams' home was set on fire, leaving her homeless.
By July the Justice coalition jumped into action and got the entire community on board to give thousands of dollars in donations and lend their personal time to rebuild her home's exterior and interior.
At her homecoming Friday, Williams said she was truly blessed.
"Every single deed that was done on my house and for me is so deeply appreciated," Williams told those who'd gathered. "I would have no home standing right now if it hadn't have been for you people here."
Officials with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said Williams' attacker was found and put in jail shortly after the attack. He won't be eligible for bond anytime soon.