In the small town of Pocola, Oklahoma, neighbors are banding together to rescue the home of Onie Massey, a cherished former secretary at Pocola Elementary School. After 38 years of dedicated service, Massey now faces the loss of the house her father built in the 1950s, which was recently condemned for unsafe conditions.
Long‑time dedication meets urgent need
Massey has lived in the same house for 15 years, watching the structure deteriorate over time. “Time just has taken over. It’s just falling down,” she told reporters. The home lacks a proper front door and has limited heating and air, leaving her in a precarious living situation.
Local leaders step up
Derek Elliott, vice president of the Pocola Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 239, described Massey as “a major pillar of the town.” He noted that she has always treated the officers like family, calling them her kids. “She doesn’t really have a true front door right now. She has very limited heating and air,” Elliott said, adding that the house is “falling in.”
The Fraternal Order of Police is now leading a large‑scale renovation effort on Massey’s previous property, which sits nearby and is structurally sound enough to become a livable home again. “Anything and everything. This is going to be a very large project,” Elliott explained. “It’s going to take a lot of hands‑on work, a lot of money. But we’re willing to do it.”
Faith and gratitude fuel the effort
Massey expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support. “I was thinking, why is he telling me all of this? Surely it can’t be free. But I know, I pray the Lord. Hallelujah. I prayed that the Lord would show me a way to fix it,” she said. She added, “I want them to know that anything that I could do to help them, just call me. Tell me about it.”
Volunteer action and next steps
Volunteers are already searching for temporary housing for Massey while the renovation begins. Work is slated to start later this week, with the goal of completing the project by early next year. The community’s response underscores Pocola’s commitment to caring for its elders and honoring those who have served the town’s schools.
As the project moves forward, organizers hope the renovated home will not only provide safe shelter for Massey but also stand as a testament to the power of neighborly compassion in a town that values faith, family, and individual liberty.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
