- D
If you know me, then you know that my sister, Beth, means the world to me. She has been my #1 biggest inspiration in life, my biggest cheerleader, my unwavering support system, and the reason I am so passionate about caring for those with all abilities. Friends, if you know my sister and her husband Scott, then your list of what they mean to you may look a lot like mine because these two loves everyone the same way-wholeheartedly. Helping others and supporting their community is what they are most passionate about. They are the most kindhearted, thoughtful, and caring people I know. My sister has spent her entire adult life caring for others. She is a caretaker by nature. She spent many years volunteering for the Literacy Council of Greater Waukesha and other various organizations. She has been teaching Sunday school for many years. And last year she and Scott delivered food from their pantry to the homeless in Waukesha week after week during the pandemic, when they didn’t have a whole lot to give.
Well, they are now in a tragic situation and need help. Beth and Scott own one of the 48 units in the Horizon West Condo building that was evacuated by the Waukesha Fire Department, on December 2nd, because the building was deteriorating and an imminent threat of collapsing. The police came to their door and told them they had less than an hour to pack up and leave their home and were told to pack as if they would never be back.
In the months before this event, Condo owners became aware that the building's balconies were unsafe and needed to be removed. This occurred, just days before the evacuation at the expense of each condo owner. Beth and Scott took out a second mortgage on their home to cover the $12,000 in expenses to have theirs removed.
After evacuating, Beth and Scott were provided shelter by the Salvation Army in a hotel for two days, while they desperately tried to connect with the insurance company and hear from the Condo Association as to the fate of the building. They were then moved to a Red Cross shelter at Elmbrook church where they are currently residing. When the news finally came, they and the other Horizon West Residents were shocked to learn that insurance will not cover it unless the building collapses. They also learned that they would still be responsible for paying their mortgage and Homeowners Association dues even though the building has been declared uninhabitable. And, if it is determined that it needs to be demolished, they are responsible for the cost for that as well.
They have lost so much. My sister lost her job working at a daycare center as a result of the pandemic. They have now lost their home, have overwhelming debt, and do not have the financial ability to relocate. They just cannot afford to provide for themselves, for their medical needs, and pay rent, on top of their financial responsibilities for the condo. However, they need to. The Red Cross shelter will be closing soon, and they need a place to live.
What Beth and Scott have not lost is their faith in God, their love for community, and their appreciation for the support they have been given. I am asking for prayers for Beth and Scott, and the other families affected by this unfortunate and awful event, and I am asking for financial assistance to help them through this. Thank you for your prayers and support during this holiday season.