GRANVILLE, W.Va. — A woman in Monongalia County says she needs help.
Sylvia Smith is working to raise money for a friend. “I am trying to raise $8,000 so I can purchase a used mobile home for a blind man in Granville whose house is beyond repair. It’s full of mold and there’s so many problems,” said Smith.
She said the main part of the house was built in the 1940s and, over time, additions were made, but the home still has no central heating and many parts of the house need major repairs.
“I just hate to see someone who owns a piece of property be homeless,” said Smith of the man who she has been caring for during the ten years since his mother’s death.
“This man does not have any family, he lives alone and this house is all he has. He inherited it when is mother died and he’s been living here in Granville for 20 years,” said Smith
Smith said she has been to local assistance agencies like Habitat for Humanity, HUD, FHA and Rural Development, but said those organizations will only loan money to purchase a new mobile home if the house is razed first. There are certain FHA requirements one has to have to be approved for a home loan.
“As far as resources go. they want to tear the house down first and he doesn’t have anywhere to go,” Smith told MetroNews. “If I can just raise $8,000, I can just put a used mobile home beside the house and they can tear the house down.” They are now looking into houses for sale.
Donations can be made through this site: https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/2U020