Family Displaced After Ceiling Collapse

(ALLIANCE, Neb.) — Rebecca Pryor, owner of PRYOR-ity Sweet Treats, a local favorite in Alliance, is asking for community support after severe weather damaged her family’s home and ultimately caused portions of the ceiling to collapse.

Pryor said the problems began Aug. 17 after severe weather moved through the Nebraska Panhandle. The family began experiencing leaks and what she described as “bubbling” in the home.

At one point, they had to drill a hole into a light fixture to allow water to drain.

Pryor said she filed a claim with her insurance company, which later sent an adjuster to inspect the damage. According to Pryor, the adjuster identified a leak coming from the roof and offered $1,200 to paint the walls. Pryor declined, saying she believed the water damage extended into the ceiling and walls.

The insurance company then asked the family to obtain a contractor’s estimate for the damage. Pryor said they did so and were waiting to hear back.

The following week, Pryor spent approximately 18 1/2 hours working in her kitchen preparing PRYOR-ity Sweet Treats orders for an event and completing custom orders.

She stepped away from the kitchen, and within about a minute, she heard the ceiling collapse.

Pryor said portions of the kitchen ceiling and dining room were damaged. Thankfully, her three young daughters were safe.

Pryor called 911, and firefighters responded to inspect the home. She said firefighters found exposed wiring and other damage and determined the house was unsafe to occupy. Power was shut off to the home as a precaution against a possible fire.

The family is now waiting to hear from its insurance company about the next steps and does not yet know how long they will be unable to return home.

The damage has also affected Pryor’s small business. Some business items were lost in the collapse, creating additional challenges for the bakery and the equipment and supplies she needs to continue serving customers.

The family is raising money to help cover temporary hotel accommodations, a $3,160 insurance deductible, replacement of business items lost in the collapse and potential out-of-pocket repairs that may not be covered by insurance.

Community members who would like to help can contribute through the family’s fundraiser at:

PRYOR-ity Sweet Treats Family Fundraiser

Pryor also accepts donations through Venmo at @Rebecca-Pryor-8.

Through the uncertainty, Pryor said she is grateful for the people who have stepped forward to help her family.

“We can not thank each & everyone of those around us for helping us throughout this!” Pryor wrote in her fundraising appeal.

For a family whose home and small business were suddenly disrupted, that community support is helping provide a little stability while they determine what comes next.

The PRYOR-ity Sweet treats bakery is still open & accepting orders.