This is something we wouldn't normally ask for, but we have been encouraged to do so by a few friends.

As some of you know, we have leased our home for about 14 years and have requested to purchase it numerous times from our landlord. A few weeks ago, he came to us and told us he wants to sell it and, if we cannot purchase the house, he is selling it to an investor who will tear it down and build something new. Our home was built in 1860 and is one of the first homes built in Johnston County by David Smith. Unfortunately, it has been altered too much to qualify for a historic home. If we do not find a way to purchase the house, not only will it be torn down, but we will lose our home that we have raised our family in. Unfortunately, this news comes at one of the worst times financially for us. We could have done it a few years ago if the offer was there, but it wasn't. Also, being self employed and the economy struggling, without something substantial to put down on a mortgage, we don't qualify for a traditional mortgage.

We are asking for help to save our home, which is something we never thought we would have to do. We love this house, and we don't want to see it gone. We have our hearts in this home. So, with that said, anything anyone can do to help keep this piece of history from being torn down and us losing our home to "progress" would help. Please help us keep our home.