On January 22nd, my family and I were forced from our home. The city condemned our property due to a sewer line that is over 130 years old and needs to be completely replaced. Until then we are homeless. I don't normally like to ask for help this way but I don't know where else to turn.  I am usually the one depended upon to help others through their difficulties, as a paralegal, a counselor or a friend. We are a family of modest means so we were unprepared for such an emergency. When the rug is pulled out from under you, it can be quite humbling. Being a bit blindsided by the "Notice to Condemn" plastered on my door, I wasn't sure what to do or where to go. We had no preparation and I was scared. We were given only a couple hours notice to leave. My son and daughter packed what they could, and we walked away from our home of twenty years. The lack of control in this situation has been quite unsettling. Our first hurdle is to raise an initial $1,200 to settle an outstanding lien with the city. The city is waiting now for that payment. Then they will step in and start the process by offering a small loan, but it won't cover the full expense of the project. The sewer repairs themselves estimate $8,000 - $10,000. Right now my family is living in a hotel room, but we have limited funds for only a few weeks. So timing is crucial, because if those funds run out before our sewer is repaired, we will truly have nowhere to go. I am hoping for those of you who are in a position to give, to help us in our time of need. My daughter and son and I appreciate anything you can do to help us move back home. Thank you and God bless all of you for your love and support.