I would like some opinions of those wiser than myself.
What if you knew of a woman who is single, currently has 6 children living in her home (3 special-needs foster kids, 3 who she adopted through the foster-adopt program), one of which is terminally ill and she is in the process of adopting the infant in her home. She recieves state assistance for the children in foster care, none for the adopted children of course. Currently she states she has been diagnosed with Leukemia but is still "healthy", but unable to work to earn a living and also unable to take care of the house. She is defaulting on her bills and recently had a visit from the local neighborhood preservation division regarding the overgrown house that she is renting (but responsible for the upkeep of the yard).
Now. Imagine you are the owner of the house.
I came home from vacation to 3 notices in my mail regarding our house and tenant. Late payments on bills (one of which we will owe if she does not pay), the overgrown yard (over 10" high in the front yard... unknown height in the rear), and the info from the property management that she is unemployed (or on leave) because of this leukemia thing.
Further background, this woman has been found to have her wages garnished (after she moved in and signed the contract) from a previous landlord in the amount of $10000 and another is seeking to find a way to collect the $15K in unpaid rent she owes him. She states this is because the homes were in disrepair and the landlords were in effect, slumlords.
My husband and I are weighing the options. Evict her, drive out to the house (13 hours) and do repairs OR let whoever is paying the rent continue paying the rent until they are bled dry and hope she can find money elsewhere.
Another concern... the children in the home. What social worker in her right mind would deem this a stable home?? And to think that this poor baby is about to be adopted by this woman as well... but she may very well have cancer and leave them all as orphans, but now older orphans that are harder to find forever placements.
I'm pulling my hair out here.... any thoughts?
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8.13.2007 - Untitled Comment
I personally would seriously doubt the medical diagnosis exists. She has a history of living off others, and keeps taking on children as though she expects to live forever. My parents got out of the landlord business, as people like this made it so not worth it. Can you get her out of there? Around here, it's almost impossible to physically evict someone. The cancer thing could be a play on people's emotions and an attempt to get away with things.
Now, it's possible that she really is diagnosed, and just has mental/emotional problems contributing to her irresponsibility. Speaking from a business perspective only, you don't have to let her problems become your problems. However, you should pray about why the Lord has allowed her into your life. Is she open spiritually? You can have that relationship with her, but still not have to house her for free. There are others who are set up for that, so she won't be out on the street.
Be sure to really pray about this......I come from a business background, so may not always have the best spiritually attuned advice in these areas.
bethanyrae