LOCAL NEWS

Volunteers renovate home for youth football coach whose house burned down

Oct 8, 2022, 11:30 PM

SALT LAKE CITYA Murray Youth Football coach whose house burned down this summer is thanking his “little angels.” His family now has a new place to live – donated, renovated and decorated by dozens of volunteers.

“My reaction was just lots of love,” said Cori Johnson, the coach.

Johnson, his wife and two kids rolled up to their new temporary home in Salt Lake City Saturday afternoon. They arrived in a limo with a police escort.

Dozens of volunteers have been working over the past few weeks to fix up the home near Nibley Park in Sugarhouse, which a family friend offered rent-free for the next year. 

A lot of the work happened Friday night and Saturday.

A crowd welcomed the Johnsons with balloons, signs and music.

Tiani Clyde, whose nonprofit Little Miracles coordinated the project, said she actually met Cori Johnson a couple of years ago when he reached out to her. He owns a flooring business and wanted to donate flooring to families in need.

“He’s donated every single time all the flooring that we’ve needed,” she said.

This time, he was the one who needed help. The makeover was extensive, complete with a more open floor plan, new kitchen and flooring, fresh paint and countless upgrades.

“Makes life a hundred times easier,” Johnson said. “It takes the stress off and lets you go back to focusing on what matters — being a dad, your business, coaching right now. We’re in the middle of playoffs next week.”

Melissa Curran’s sister delayed her plans to move into the property in order to help the Johnsons, allowing them time to rebuild their home in Murray. Curran’s mother died in late 2019, and the house has been vacant and in need of repairs.

“We hope she’s looking down on us and happy about the way it’s turned out,” Curran said, adding: “It was nice to see that he’s going to have a place and kind of help him get back on his feet.”

Clyde said everyone has something they can give, although they may not realize it. It’s often skills, time or energy – not a check.

“It’s really about community,” she said. “It’s about neighbors helping neighbors.”

Johnson addressed all the volunteers: “Little Miracles would be, to me, it’s like my little angels. The Lord sent me some angels in probably the hardest time of my life to help me and my family. I’m really grateful for all of you.”

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Matt Gephardt working with Bona Rose on the CarChex documents....

Matt Gephardt and Sloan Schrage, KSL TV

Get Gephardt: West Valley woman says her extended car warranty claim was denied unfairly

Many drivers buy an extended auto warranty to cover unexpected repair bills. But when a West Valley City woman turned to her warranty provider for major help on her car's transmission, they turned her down - repeatedly.

2 hours ago

Moments before a Salt Lake City woman is hit by a white car in the Avenues....

Eric Cabrera, KSL NewsRadio, Garna Mejia and Michael Houck, KSL TV

Doorbell camera captures another hit-and-run in Salt Lake City

New doorbell camera shows bystanders rushing to save a woman who may be another victim of an alleged serial hit-and-runner.

3 hours ago

A view of the West Temple and 200 South intersection in Salt Lake City....

Michael Houck

A major downtown Salt Lake City intersection will close from April to May

Starting April 1, the West Temple and 200 South intersection will be closed as crews replace natural gas lines.

4 hours ago

Researchers gathered in a Weber State University room for a Air Quality Summit....

Mike Anderson

Air Quality Summit puts focus on Utah air pollution and solutions

Many of the researchers who study Utah's air pollution problems are sharing what they've found while working to find solutions during Thursday's Air Quality Summit.

5 hours ago

Keith Stebbings (right) confronting Loren Richardson (left) after Richardson allegedly entered his ...

Shelby Lofton

‘He wasn’t intending to hurt anybody’: Brighton homeowner attorney says snowboarder confrontation was a misunderstanding

The Brighton man armed with a gun while confronting a snowboarder in a viral video is now facing criminal charges. But his attorney says he had the right to protect his property.

6 hours ago

Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...

Eliza Pace

VIDEO: Watch the moment a UHP trooper stops a 12-year-old driving on the freeway

Utah Highway Patrol responded to a call of a reckless driver. They didn't know until after they stopped the car that it was a 12-year-old driver.

7 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Volunteers renovate home for youth football coach whose house burned down