Where is HELP for my disabled father(74) and brain damaged brother(51)? Victims of FIRE,NO Elect. power,water

Question:

Home damaged in 2002 Rodeo/Chediski fire. Have NO electric power or running water for over 3 yrs. FEMA lied to them for 2 yrs. telling them they would help them and get others to help them also. Home received $58,000 in damages. Were given $2,726 total. SBA, HUD, Red Cross and many others walked away from them without giving them any assistance whatsoever. They were told they were TOO POOR to obtain any Grants or Loans to repair their home.(income $600 /mo.) Roof leaks, damaged ceilings, walls (mold) and floors. Wheelchair ramps, decks and steps removed need replaced, very unsafe, falls are frequent. Lost their Solar/Wind electric power system and generators. NO running water without power. NO working heat or A/C system, house is low 40's to high 30's in winter. Summer 105 to 108 degrees inside, conditions difficult for healthy people. Disabled they are in much pain and discomfort with these extremes. Can anyone HELP or know who might have some pity on my Dad and brother? PLEASE.

Answer:
Get your facts and information straight and well- organized- include names and dates whenever possible.

Present the information to the nearest TV station with an investigative or consumer help program. Even if they don't give it air time, they can still offer advice.

Look in the community services section of your phone book- contact...
- free legal aid
- handicapped services
- elderly services
- United Way First Call For Help
- Habitat for Humanity
- anyone else that looks good
- low-income housing programs

If either is a regular in a church, social or fraternal organization, or even a bar, let them know about the problems and see if they can help somehow.

HOWEVER... let's be realistic here and face a couple uncomfortable points.
- Low income. With that income it is unlikely that anyone will loan them any money.
- It sounds like they were living 'off the grid' to some extent (wind/solar, apparently no insurance, etc.) This always makes it harder to get help when it becomes necessary.
- Living in their own home may not be the best option for two disabled older people. For example, I don't think they would be at the front of the list for a donated home.
- The father's age alone will work against him in getting some forms of help. Few programs will provide lots of money for rebuilding a house that he might not be able to stay in for a very long time.

Ask for the dream, but be realistic and thoughtfully consider the options and any offers for help.

Good luck!

Why don't you send an email to Oprah. Oprah's probably one of the most or if not the most generous person/celebrity in the world. Log on to www.oprah.com so that you will be able to check her email add or where you can send an email. Goodluck! The only thing I can help you is my prayers! God bless you and your family!

Where is HELP for my disabled father(74) and brain damaged brother(51)? Victims of FIRE,NO Elect. power,water

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