SLIDELL, La. (WGNO) — The journey of watching Slidell resident Darla Haro build a new home continues after she spent 20 years living with a leaky roof and no electricity or water. "I'm confident that we'll push this through," said Slidell Councilman Trey Brownfield. WGNO first learned about Haro after a good Samaritan noticed her taping Walmart bags to her decaying roof. Deteriorating building causes road closures in New Orleans Brownfield and others have stepped in to raise money for the demolition and rebuild of her new home. "The community is really rallied around this. We've raised $40,000 for Ms. Darla. We've had a bunch of things donated. At this point, we're just honestly looking for a general contractor. We have a bunch of subs, licensed subs that are donating their time or materials and things like that," said Brownfield. After being forced to move out after someone reported her to St. Tammany Parish, Haro says it was a blessing in disguise. She admits if she hadn't moved out when she did, she probably would have lost her life. Shortly after she left, the roof of her bedroom came crashing down. "I might have been underneath this rubble one day if I hadn't gotten this help and it was a blessing to me. They've done so much for me over me believe me because I might be under the rubble," said Haro. New Orleans airport officials share holiday season travel tips For a short period, Haro was able to live in a donated camper until her new home was built; however, it was removed after parish officials said it couldn't be there long-term. Haro now lives next door in a home she rents, saying she's keeping her spirits high, hoping one day she'll have a new home. She adds where she lives currently brings a smile to her face. "Well, that is bringing me something in my heart because my mother used to live next door, and I had a lot of nice memories there living with family," said Haro. Brownfield is determined to see a new home built on the land Haro's husband left for her before he passed. Scrim the dog busts out of window in New Orleans, runs away again "We're closing in faster on our mark, and we can get her hopefully in a home in a few months after we start the process of demolition and rebuild. If everybody honors what they said, we'll probably need about $60,000," said Brownfield. Yet, Haro says she's just blessed to have the help and support, patient enough to know one day she'll be able to walk into a home she's always dreamed of. "It can take as long as it does because really there are people where some people don't have a roof over their head. At least I have a roof over my head and it's a blessing to have," said Haro. For more information about getting involved with the build or making a donation, contact Brownfield at 985-630-1104. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Community pushes forward to help Slidell woman build new home Bishop T.D. Jakes experiences 'health incident' during Sunday service Christmas in the Park to return to Lafreniere Park for 2024 holiday season What's behind the doors of this Missouri cave? A former roller rink, concert stage and more Earth bids farewell to its temporary 'mini moon': What it was, and where it's going