Disabled woman living in dilapidated trailer needs your help
By: Stephanie Claytor
Updated: November 29, 2012
The Fuller Center for Housing of Northwest Louisiana is trying to help a woman move out of a condemned trailer and they need your help.
Ora Turner Johnson has been living in a dilapidated trailer that does not have any heat or hot water. The roof is partially caved in and leaking, there is mold in the walls, and the floor is falling out. Johnson, who became disabled in 1998 when she had a brain aneurysm, lives off of an $800 monthly disability check, and has been unable to fix it. After losing her husband, she said she could not keep her trailer up.
"I'm disgusted. I get depressed. I can't keep it up like I need to," said Johnson.
After living in the trailer for 40 years, she finally started packing her bags when she heard that she could get into senior housing. Then, senior housing officials informed her she was ineligible because applicants must be at least 62 years old; she is 59.
A Shreveport Police Liaison Officer then told Johnson she should contact the Fuller Center for Housing of Northwest Louisiana. Johnson started filling out the paperwork on Tuesday. '
The Fuller Center for Housing is a non-profit, faith based organization that provides new homes for low income people living in substandard housing conditions. The recipient pays it forward by paying a reduced mortgage and volunteering with the program.
Executive Director Lee Jeter said the non-profit wants to build Ora Turner Johnson a new home as soon as possible. It has the land and a donor that will pay for half the cost. It needs the community to pitch in $35,000 in donations before it can start construction.
"Ms. Johnson needs a house and a place to live right now because the condition that she is living in is not fit for any human being to be living in," said Jeter.
"We're just asking for people to help us help her, help Ms. Johnson. Let's give Ms Johnson a place to stay where she doesn't have to live in that situation."
Until the donations come in, which could take six months, Ora Turner Johnson needs a temporary place to stay. If you'd like to help, call the Fuller Center at (318) 221-7474 or click this link to donate.
