Sandra is 51 years old and her husband, Don, is 48. The couple lives on a fixed income of $952 per month. Don was employed on a regular basis until a work-related injury nine years ago left him disabled.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Sandra is 51 years old and her husband, Don, is 48. The couple lives on a fixed income of $952 per month. Don was employed on a regular basis until a work-related injury nine years ago left him disabled.
A few years ago, the couple was seeking affordable housing. With limited options on their fixed income, they were able to move into the home of one of Don's relatives. The relative had physical problems that required someone to stay with her and assist with her needs. In exchange for the assistance they provided, Sandra and Don could stay at the relative's home rent-free.
But after the relative passed away, other family members told Sandra and Don they'd have to pay rent if they wanted to continue living there, and they couldn't afford what was asked. They moved to another home they believed they could afford, but the new home had a damaged doorframe and the door itself needs to be replaced.
With winter approaching, Sandra and Don are concerned about keeping warm. Cold air enters the house through the damaged door, making it difficult to adequately heat the house, plus it drives up the cost of the heating bill, making it far more than it would normally be.
With rent, utilities, food and medical expenses to pay, the couple's budget is stretched too thin to make the needed repairs. The cost for a new door and frame would be approximately $400, and it would alleviate one major stress for Sandra and Don.
Monetary donations to Sandra and Don can be made through the Gazette Charities Christmas Fund, 1001 Virginia St. E., Charleston, WV 25301. Credit card donations can be made online at wvgazette.com/ChristmasCharities.
To donate items or labor for this couple, contact Eddie Carper at Union Mission Ministries at 925-0336.
Karin Fuller can be reached via email at karinfuller@cnpapers.com
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Sandra is 51 years old and her husband, Don, is 48. The couple lives on a fixed income of $952 per month. Don was employed on a regular basis until a work-related injury nine years ago left him disabled.
A few years ago, the couple was seeking affordable housing. With limited options on their fixed income, they were able to move into the home of one of Don's relatives. The relative had physical problems that required someone to stay with her and assist with her needs. In exchange for the assistance they provided, Sandra and Don could stay at the relative's home rent-free.
But after the relative passed away, other family members told Sandra and Don they'd have to pay rent if they wanted to continue living there, and they couldn't afford what was asked. They moved to another home they believed they could afford, but the new home had a damaged doorframe and the door itself needs to be replaced.
With winter approaching, Sandra and Don are concerned about keeping warm. Cold air enters the house through the damaged door, making it difficult to adequately heat the house, plus it drives up the cost of the heating bill, making it far more than it would normally be.
With rent, utilities, food and medical expenses to pay, the couple's budget is stretched too thin to make the needed repairs. The cost for a new door and frame would be approximately $400, and it would alleviate one major stress for Sandra and Don.
Monetary donations to Sandra and Don can be made through the Gazette Charities Christmas Fund, 1001 Virginia St. E., Charleston, WV 25301. Credit card donations can be made online at wvgazette.com/ChristmasCharities.
To donate items or labor for this couple, contact Eddie Carper at Union Mission Ministries at 925-0336.
Karin Fuller can be reached via email at karinfuller@cnpapers.com
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