CHRISTMAS will not be very enjoyable for fire victim Robert Howard and his family.
The 60-year-old was made homeless last November when fire destroyed the Government unit he had been occupying for many years at Wildey, St Michael.
But while he is grateful that Government has provided him with temporary accommodation at Country Towers, St Michael, Howard said he and his family are still finding it hard to pick up the pieces.
“After the fire, someone from Canada sent me a cheque and it was put in the paper and everybody tell me that I get a lump sum of money, but all I get was $87.10. I still got the paper to show,” he said.
The unemployed man said he had tried to get assistance by using a sponsored sheet to solicit funds from people, but that plan did not work.
“I used to go around with a sponsor sheet but people would tell me things hard and no money ain’t stirring. Some people tell me their housetop leaking and they want flooring, and me and them in the same boat; only thing their house ain’t burn. And they would tell me things brown and they want help too – so people have no money to give away.”
While he waits for Government to repair his home, Howard said living in his new accommodation was proving to be very expensive.
“Because we have to pay sewerage, the water bill does be between $120 and $150. The electricity bill does be over $200. It is hard for me and my daughter.”
He is hoping that someone can donate foodstuff to his family as well as a much needed living room suite and a wardrobe.
