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81-year old Homer
Hollins now can sleep in own bed; utilities turn-on next By Sharlonda L. Waterhouse, Post-Tribune Staff Writer GARY -- Weak from dialysis, 81-year-old Homer Hollins clutched the deed to his home and smiled. No more negotiating. No more boarding with friends. No more unpaid taxes. Utilities? That's another hurdle. Hollins is a diabetic who lost his home in the 2400 block of Waite Street in a Lake County treasurer's tax sale in November 2000 due to $2,232 in delinquent taxes. In January, Rudy Clay, a Lake County commissioner who favors using casino funds to pay senior citizens' property taxes, thought he had secured return of the home. Clay and a cadre of lawyers persuaded new owner, Key Corporate Financial of Boston, to sell it back. Jubilant, Clay called for a celebration, trumpeting Hollins' return to the abode he shared with his late wife, Lucille, for 30 years. However, Hollins and Clay were soon shocked to see Hollins' initial bill had risen about $2,000. Key Corporate, unwilling to forgive any fees, charged Hollins for back taxes, new taxes, title costs and interest. For four months, Clay and Gail Turner, a friend of Hollins, said they raised $4,000 from concerned residents to completely pay off Hollins' debt and reclaim the deed. "It's all his now - lock, stock, and barrel. We've completed all the necessary paperwork," Clay said Wednesday as he offered Hollins, a former mill worker, a copy of his deed on a plaque. "If the community had a strategy in place, people like Homer Hollins would never have to go through this. The tragedy is not only that the elderly lose their homes, but also that the trauma worsens their health," Clay said. Clay said if the city could use some of its casino funds to pay taxes of older folks in need, retired seniors on fixed income could have more money for prescriptions, food and other needs. Hollins spent four hours on dialysis before meeting Clay at the Gary courthouse. Looking at his deed, he rubbed a numb left leg and said "I haven't been feeling too well, but I'm glad I'm getting my home back. This is good. "The first thing I want to do is make my bed and sleep in my own bed. I'd also like to sit in my yard." Hollins has lived with friend and temporary caretaker Helen Lewis of Gary since November. Because of his next of kin - two sisters - live in Wisconsin, he must hire caretakers to live with him, Turner said. "I'd like to find a nice man or a couple who can stay with him and take care of him. It's hard for him to get around or cook," she said. It's also hard for him to accept that moving back to Waite Street won't be as swift as anticipated. While Hollins said he wants to move in today, Turner said he owes $1,300 to NIPSCO. "We don't have the utilities on. So, we'll just move in belongings," she said. "The Salvation Army has offered to pay $300. Maybe others whose hearts are touched will go to NIPSCO and pay some of the rest. All they need is his name. NIPSCO will gladly take the payment." |
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Clay gives fundraiser to build more wheelchair ramps. Click here. | |||
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There is a change in the way lots can be disposed of. Click here. | |||
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Clay proposes using casino funds to pay property taxes for senior citizens. Click here. | |||
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Clay holds the "Toys for Kids that Santa Claus Forgot" program. Click here. | |||
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