My sister Beth and husband Bill purchased a small RV in West Jefferson, North Carolina about a year ago. They were very excited to find this home on private land as the conditions in their prior rental were far from ideal. They signed a lease that included paying monthly rent in exchange for the land and utilities while taking out a loan for the RV. They loved their new home and were so excited to have this humble dwelling. Being an artist, my sister lovingly painted the exterior and brought joy to the community through her art. From the beginning, the RV had problems, but Beth and Bill rolled with it. Leaking roof, water damage, etc..., but it was their home.

 

During a significant winter storm about three weeks ago, the electricity in the camper went out on the same day that they tested positive for Covid. They were told that the problem with the electricity was major and would require extensive work that wouldn't be able to get done for several weeks.  With the home having no heat, water, and electricity, they had to seek temporary housing at the local motel. While there and despite having shut off the water in their frozen home, their water heater burst. After several weeks of waiting and accruing debt living in a hotel, they thought the end was in sight. Then the really bad news came... When someone came to inspect the property to get the permit needed to fix the electrical issue, they determined that a permit could not be issued due to the trailer's location. To compound matters, the landlady they signed the lease with passed away unexpectedly within months after they moved in, leaving the property to relatives.

 

The story of what has transpired over the past couple years and what they've been through is too long to share in great detail (there is far more I could share of this horrendous journey!), but Bill has had major, life-threatening health concerns. Both Beth and Bill have spent their lives taking care of others as home health care workers with low wages that barely cover the necessities and offer next to nothing in terms of benefits. They are constantly doing for others, and even while experiencing their own homelessness as a result of all this, when approached by a homeless man who was cold and seeking shelter from the storm, they pulled out a credit card and got him a room in their hotel for the night so he wouldn't freeze (money they obviously didn't have). They have never asked for much in this life. They don't spend money on anything frivolous and live the humblest of lives. They are willing to do whatever it takes and live under the most challenging conditions, but this situation is beyond what anyone could endure.

 

Beth and Bill are hoping to find a way to move their RV with the help of some friends in order to satisfy the requirements for the permitting. At this point, it is unknown given the age of the trailer as to whether it can be moved due to how long it has been there, but they are hopeful that they may still be able to salvage it and eventually move back into their home. However, if this is possible, it will still require them to continue living in the hotel for at least a few more weeks (potentially months) as they await the necessary permits before the work can even begin. They will still need to deal with getting a new hot water heater, connecting electricity to the trailer (including the cost of electrical poles, labor, etc...). Combined with the cost of hotel living and lost wages they incurred due to Covid, they are going to be underwater, but this is actually the BEST CASE scenario. If they cannot move the RV and get the electrical and plumbing fixed, they are facing homelessness and will need to try to find long-term housing. This will be extremely difficult given their financial situation and the effects of this ordeal.

 

If there is anything you can do to help or if you have any connections in the West Jefferson, NC area who may be able to offer some assistance locally, it would be greatly appreciated! Prayers are also welcome and needed! Thank you...