Calverton woman gets new home thanks to 'care and compassion' from community following destructive fire

A Calverton woman has a new place to live thanks to the kindness of her community just weeks after her mobile home burned down.

Katie Polk says she can't believe that a GoFundMe started for her raised over $80,000 shortly after the fire on Dec. 10.

"The overwhelming heartfelt care and compassion from people was just unbelievable," Polk said.

Polk has been performing puppet shows across Long Island for years. Her main character - Mr. Mouse - was lost in the fire, but some of her other puppets were saved.

She is rebuilding and thinks she will work the fire into a future show with a song.

Polk has even started to write some of the lyrics.

"Lost my clothes, lost my shoes, lost my house, what am I to do..." Polk said.

Polk's friend Dawn Madigan, who started the GoFundMe, says she wasn't prepared for the outpouring of support.

"Seeing her new house and being in here is just really the best thing ever," Madigan said.

Polk lost six of her cats in the fire, but one of the feral neighborhood felines she takes care of named Bernie was outside and survived.

Even though she moved a few streets over, Polk says Bernie found his way to the new home and has started to settle in.

For more information on the GoFundMe or to donate, click here.