Help Kevin Keep His Home

The decade has been difficult for Kevin Fair. In addition to falling into financially hard times, losing his wife to MS, nearly losing his home, and now health issues, Kevin was also in a legal battle with the government. His case went all the way up to the U.S. Supreme Court and was in the Nebraska Supreme Court twice.

This year finally brought to a close the legal saga that nearly led to Kevin losing the home he and his late wife, Terry, received from his mother a wedding gift. Now he just needs to cover a small tax bill to protect his home from future foreclosure. But Kevin has also suffered recent heath setbacks, which leave him in need of a wheelchair ramp into his home, to accommodate his need for a walker.

Kevin’s perseverance in his legal battle has helped the property rights of all Nebraskans. Now it’s our chance to help him have a happy Christmas by securing his home for the future. With a little help, Kevin can enjoy the rest of his senior years in his family home.

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Kevin and Terry’s lives changed forever in 2013, when Terry was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Her health began to deteriorate quickly. With the strain of the disease on her body, she was no longer able to do her job at Walmart and was let go. Already in a financial bind, the couple now had to find a way to get Terry the full-time care she needed. Ultimately, Kevin had to make the difficult decision to quit his job and become his wife’s full-time caretaker.

Kevin’s Social Security check became the only stream of income for the couple. Their financial situation had already been tight, but with medical bills and a fixed income, things grew dire. Terry’s care was Kevin’s first priority, but that meant falling behind on other bills. When it came time for the Fairs to pay their 2014 property taxes, they simply couldn’t afford to pay $588 of the bill.

While he was aware of the obligation to pay property taxes, Kevin had absolutely no idea that the government had already taken steps to seize his home. A tax lien was placed on the home, then sold to a private investor. The relatively small bill ballooned to more than $5,000. The investor took title to the home and Kevin was facing the prospect of homelessness.

With pro bono representation, he challenged the law. After a long legal battle, the Nebraska Supreme Court delivered good news this year, ending what’s known as home equity theft in the state.

In December 2024, he amicably resolved his dispute with the investment company, guaranteeing that he would be able to keep the home his mother gave to him and Terry years ago. But to ensure he can keep his home long-term; he needs to pay part of this year’s taxes. Once he pays the current taxes, he will be able to apply for a tax exemption that should keep him safe and sound in his home for years to come. Unfortunately, Kevin suffered a stroke in November. A fast-approaching tax deadline and repairs to his home that he is physically unable to make put him in a difficult financial spot. A modest amount of financial assistance will help him look after his health and keep his home.

Kevin has endured much but his case affirms longstanding property rights for all Nebraskans. Let’s come together to save his home.