Fresh start for Novi family who lost everything in fire

A Novi woman now has a new place to call home thanks to a stranger who stepped up to help her after her home was destroyed in a fire.

Roxie Schoupe lived in her home in Novi for 60 years, but recently lost it due to damages caused by an accidental fire.

After the fire, the community rallied around a stranger who wanted to help and raised thousands of dollars through crowdfunding.

"I'm very happy and I would like to meet everyone and shake their hand and say thank you," Schoupe told FOX 2's Jessica Dupnack Sunday. Noting it's been a rough year she said, "God will pull us out." 

In addition to losing her home, Schoupe lost her husband and two grandchildren this year. She is nearly blind and deaf, but despite that she cares for her adult children who have serious health issues.

"It's hard at first when tragedy strikes, you don't know what you're going to do," Schoupe said. But that's when Michele Witter, a complete stranger, stepped up to help. Schoupe now considers Witter a Guardian Angel.

Witter learned about Schoupe's tragedy in a neighborhood phone app and started a GoFundMe to get Schoupe back on her feet. 

"It's been really a blessing to have the honor to help her and her family," said Witter.

After FOX 2's story aired last week even more people stepped up. Witter says the donations nearly doubled, including an anonymous donor who sent $400 to the station to help Schoupe and her family fill their new home with whatever they need.

Now, Schoupe is moving into a mobile home with modern conveniences Schoupe never had in her old home, with help from community members donating their time to help the family get situated.

"My heart is so grateful, just with so much love that was shown," Witter said through tears, "She's always being watched over."