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SALT LAKE CITY -- A family that has been struggling to survive in Salt Lake after leaving their home country because of religious persecution received the gift of a lifetime: Free furniture, a free van and a rent-free home.
The Tamang family got a look at their new 1,700 square foot, four-bedroom and two-bath home in Sugar House on Saturday.
Through broken English and tears, the Tamangs expressed their gratitude for the chance to get on their feet. Before coming to Salt Lake as refugees, the family of five lived for 18 years in a one-room hut in a refugee camp in Nepal.
The family fled their country of Bhutan after being caught practicing Christianity, a religion outlawed by the country's king.
Five months ago they came to the U.S. with nothing.
Emily Smoot, a volunteer with Catholic Community Services, said, "These people have left one hard life to a new one. This opportunity has opened their lives to a whole new beginning where they actually feel like they can do something with themselves and make something of themselves here."
Thanks to an anonymous donor, the Tamangs may stay in the home rent and utility-bill free as long as needed to get established.
"They're absolutely overwhelmed at how many people care about their family and why us? Is what they keep saying. I can't believe this. Why?" Smoot said.
The only thing the donor asked is for the Tamangs to "pay it forward."
