Emergency for saving caregiver's home & home repair

7-3-2024

HOME EMERGENCY- There is so much more to this situation but here goes:

Dear Friends, Family, and World,

I am in dire straits, struggling legally and financially. I know we all have trials and tribulations, and I pray for us all.

It’s tiring to pretend everything is fine when it’s not. Things are not always as they appear. Assumptions are often distorted and just not true. Like many of us, I, too, have health issues, and wish I had made better self care choices.

Also, in 2020 I had an injury with permanent loss. I am adjusting and managing a new normal.

During the Devastating 1,000 yr FLOOD in SC in October 2015 my house was badly damaged and I didn’t get assistance from FEMA. Some of my flooring is missing and quite a few major things are in dire need of being fixed, before I can live in my home safely.

My mom, who is now 93, lived alone. I went & spent the first few weeks of the flood with her (when roads were undriveable. And No electricity, no Wi-Fi & no phone service.) I felt she shouldn’t be alone. Due to the condition of my home she invited me to move in with her. We lived on opposite sides of town and since my house was in such bad shape and my mom was getting older, I accepted her offer to move in with her. I moved in with her while working, and became her sole caretaker as her health declined. I have been taking care of my mother for 8 years.

Also, My dog, Puccini died while I was taking care of my mother.

A loss with no measure.

Hopefully, one day I will have a dog love again.

Like most people who lived a long independent life, my mother found it difficult to ask for assistance, and was reluctant to admit the need for help. At that time, I became her sole caregiver. However, recently she has moved to live with a relative who is a physician (not a geriatrician) and perhaps can better take care of her medical needs.

As a caregiver what a blessing to be able to visit Leeza Care Connection. This is a non-profit 501-c founded by Leeza Gibbons from Entertainment Tonight. There are 2 locations now, in SC & on the West coast.

They were, are and continue to be super helpful, supportive and resourceful !!!

I was recently sent an eviction notice and I may likely have to move from my mother’s house in just a few short days/weeks.

I may be forced to move back in my house that is quite frankly unsafe with no heat or air conditioning. However, that may not even be an option due to a lawsuit which forced me to declare emergency bankruptcy to save my house.

As a result, I must continue to pay $1,530 a month for the next two years. I have been able to pay down the debt in the past three years by $50,000. The balance is $38,000 (the total includes interest, attorney, and legal fees).

I went to court with attorney Marc Whitlark but we lost the case on a technicality and not merit. Marc was in the process of appealing but unfortunately, my dear friend Marc, passed away. Needless to say, this complicates matters even further.

Due to the bankruptcy, I have five years to pay the debt off or I will lose my home. It may not be much of a home right now,

but it will soon be the only place I can rest my head at night,

if I am able to continue paying the $1,530 on the first of each month for the next two years.

In the meantime, unfortunately my long standing job of eight years abruptly ended without notice approximately a month ago. Although parting on "good terms", there are complications.

This has possibly pushed me into losing my home.

I filed a sexual harassment complaint against a Columbia City code officer. After 2 months the city told me it was misfiled and should be in internal affairs. Nothing was done. Then in retaliation the officer sued me for defamation. I was never served; therefore, I was not there to address the case. Afterwards, I was in court 2x and stated that I was NEVER served but it fell on deaf ears. I had no voice because I wasn't there and so he won by default and not merit.

I am including when I spoke at the Columbia City Council meeting 0n 5-1-2018. The meeting was 35 minutes long & I spoke for 3 minutes in the last 5 minutes. This summarizes a bit of what has happened. It is on You Tube and public information.

Also, Josh Cruse, a reporter for the Star Newspaper wrote about the trouble and states that I did NOT mention the code officer by name. As a warning, it is emotionally upsetting.

You will hear crickets/silence from the CITY.

No comment, no compassion, no interest. Listen to the end and witness the energy & enthusiasm mustered up for a record (shortest meeting) Councilman Tameika Devine was the Mayor pro-tem.

I include this to show the pattern of injustice.

Columbia City Council meeting 5-1-2018: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DareSXojk04.

The GoFundMe campaign is a temporary measure while I continue to look for work.

I want and need to work.

My HOME EMERGENCY FUND target is $19,200 (6 months of income) which will help me get back on my feet.

The money raised goes towards:

● the bankruptcy payment of $1,530 due on the 1st of each month (to save my home: six months = $9,180)

● necessary repairs, including a gutted kitchen, HVAC, water heater, and bathroom repairs. This is survival repair and renovation.

● Necessary basic living expenses.

● Any legal assistance would be greatly appreciated as well.

Thank you for listening. I value my privacy but am compelled to share my plight.

We are in difficult times. I understand. It’s not easy to ask for help, especially at 66 years old,

but I am barely hanging on to save my home. I’m better at helping.

Even in this nightmare and storm I am blessed along the way with miracles and kindness.

If you're able to help in any way. I will be so appreciative and be forever grateful !

Words cannot begin to express my gratitude for the love and support I have received.

Your positive thoughts, prayers, and wishes have touched me deeply, and have helped me beyond words in keeping my sanity.

Please help me, I would greatly appreciate it ! Thank you !

Thank you for your help !