Save Jerre's House

To the friends, family members, acquaintances of Jerre Loftus as well as anyone who would like to help. 

I am writing this request on behalf of my dear neighbor Jerre Loftus.  Jerre is a blessing to our neighborhood in so many ways…cheerful, always ready to “lend an ear”, imaginative, sharing, quick to laughter.  We are a closer group of neighbors because of her…almost like a comfortable family.

After several years of renting her house at 302 Margaret Street in Rockwall and after the sale of her “nest egg” property, Jerre was able to purchase the home and begin the process of its much- needed repairs.  It was an old home in need of tender loving care.  Jerre was joyful…even posting a sign in the yard saying, “Home Sweet Home – It’s Mine!”  She found a young contractor eager to take on the challenge and the work began. 

But one year later tragedy came with the beginning of 2017.  Most devastatingly, her youngest son, Bobby, was killed in an automobile accident.   And on the homefront, her builder exhausted her entire budget and savings without completion of the home renovation.  Far from it in fact. 

Jerre now lives in the cramped, closed off side of the house next to open, unfinished and unsealed rooms.  Additionally, in the process of renovation, damage was made to a water pipe making it impossible to use water in the kitchen.  All dishes now have to be washed in her uncompleted bathroom.

It makes me sad that our wonderful and loving neighbor is in this difficult situation.  Her funds have been depleted, the builder could not provide her with proper receipts and documentation and she relies on a monthly fixed income.   It has become an even bigger issue now as she could face daily fines from the city.   Basically, the builder did not provide the work for which he was paid and he left her remaining with an unfinished and, for the most part, unlivable house.

Jerre has consulted with several contractors who have each agreed that she did not receive the work for which she paid.  She has talked to a lawyer in the effort to recoup any money owed to her for the work not done.  It is doubtful that this will be of any help.  She is a senior citizen who, at 70 years of age, does not have a full time job.   She cleans houses part time for extra income and will be selling a car in order to help pay for the remainder of the renovations.  But this will not go far.  In the meantime, the unfinished home is weathering and winter months will be here soon.

It is my hope that we can join together out of our love and appreciation of Jerre to donate funds to help toward or the completion of the remaining work that her home needs.   A rough estimate, compiled, by talking to several contractors is about $75,000.  Really more than that, but that is what we will set for our goal.   Please help us save Jerre's home.  

NOTES FROM JERRE

WHO AM I?

I am a female senior citizen of 70 years young.

WHAT AM I CURRENTLY DOING FOR RESTORATION OF THIS SITUATION

I am not lazy, and am daily at work trying to rectify this situation.

I have listed valuable items for sale and have all options at hand that would possibly be considered.

I am working on repairing my personal credit which takes every 30 to 60 days for any positive changes.

WHAT CAN’T BE DONE?

I can’t get Homeowners Insurance because the repairs of the house are incomplete.

I can’t get a Home Equity Loan because there is not Homeowners Insurance, because the home repairs are incomplete.

Can’t get a Reverse Mortgage for repairs…because the home repair is incomplete.