Save a Generational Home for a Loving Family

The Messimer family has lived in Westford for five generations and one their current property for three. After his parents died, Martin inherited the property along with their generational poverty and financial insecurity. Because of an accident, Martin has been injured and unable to work, and a disability income does not allow for the extensive home repairs that his parents were not able to afford. Home repairs are a prerequisite for acquiring homeowners insurance, and homeowners insurance is a mandatory requirement in the mortgage.., which has given final notice and is preparing to foreclose, rendering the Martin and his 16 yr old daughter homeless. The best way for Martin and his daughter to avoid foreclosure and homelessness is to pay off the remaining mortgage. This would help allow Martin to own the home his family has lived in for generations.

To keep possession of the house, Martin also needs to pay off outstanding property tax bills that are unpaid due to a bureaucratic error after his fathers death. The house will need repairs in order to be habitable for this winter, and the Messimers hope to receive government assistance for winterization and maintenance once homeownership has been established. They are already struggling to pay monthly bills, afford fuel for their vehicle, even shoes for his child, and unexpected vet care for his daughter's service dog.

Our patchwork system of nonprofit and government assistance leaves many families like the Messimers in a gray zone where they aren't eligible for grants and loans, nor are the available sources of assistance sufficient to cover all their needs. Individual donations can help fill this gap and help families like the Messimers avoid homelessness. Here are the specific components of their fundraising goal:

1. $8000 to pay the rest of the property's mortgage.

2. $9300 to pay overdue and upcoming property taxes.

3. $2500 for electricity and wifi for the next several months.

4. $1000 for medical bills and medications not covered by Medicaid or Medicare.

5. $1000 for fuel/transportation expenses.

6. $800 for propane for the winter.

7. $250 for technology/cellphone.

*And if at all possible, $400 to make sure Martin can give his daughter Christmas gifts.