You think the street is better for her then?????????

She does have family - unfortunately, it's because of one of her family members that her home was foreclosed on. The article said her son failed to pay property taxes.

but her home is home - regardless of the condition. To loose it (over property taxes at that) then be denied back becasue of the condition is crazy. No one cared about the condition when she lived it in the house but now they "care". Hardly

That's "spent the money ON drugs." (Yet another prime example of our esteemed educational system.)

And at 101 - if she did spend the money on drugs, I'd sure as hell like to know which kinds & which ones, I'd buy them for myself.

This is a perfect example of what is wrong with this country. We are so damn busy sending millions of dollars every month to countries like Afghanistan that we have no time for our own. We are too busy trying to show the world how great, powerful and better-than-everyone else we are. ..... well take a good long look America.... you are not that damn great! Open your eyes!

There are people who will respond to her need, word of mouth, this article, they will hear and act. Her neighbors, family, and friends will pull together to make sure she is secure. Most folks will respond to such a need.

It's strange that you chided someone else on a typographical error and then committed one yourself. Should we now call you holier than thou, Jacques?

Dave 1774917 why does it always have to be drugs? If you don't know why taxes wasn't paid, you shouldn't make a comment like that. All black people do not do or sell drugs. I don't sell or use drugs nor anyone in my family.

We pay our government to make life better for us. Often times just the opposite happens. If the dumb government workers cannot understand that a 101 wants be to be surrounded by their memories, however humble they may be, then fire the JERKS. What kind of fool thinks living on the streets is better than living where she has successfully lived for 60 years? We are giving 45,000 millions of dollars in foreign aid this year.......throw her out on the streets? No money to fix up her home in America, but we got money to fix homes in Haiti.

More and more our government resembles a large criminal organization.

All we can do is hope and pray, people of the world today are not like they use to be.

Not a great deal for her, to be sure. I wonder why the reverse mortgage inspection didn't pick up on the homes shortcomings?

This story reminds me of the old gal down in georgia who was about to be evicted for what her son or grandson did.

To think that anytime I visit my mom there are always little repairs to do to maintain the old homestead.

Unfortunately, in the nanny state, if they did let her move back in and they own it they could be held liable and subject to elder abuse. Her son could be held liable if he was responsible and charged for her livin conditions in the house prior to her evictions.

Throw her out in the street, then ALL they got to do is declare her incompetent and lock her down.

G-d bless her friend who took her in. That's probably the best for her now.

What about her son? What DID he do with her money from the Reverse mortgage? I thought they pay da money out monthly, not lump sum.

scum sucking banks..

Wasn't this the Bank of America mess that was written a couple of weeks ago? I thought Bank of America said they were going to take care of her. I know her son is to blame, but honestly, putting someone this old out in the street?

Dave - You think the street is better for her then?????????

Moody did not imply what you are saying. You are trolling for reaction.

Another worthless federal agency wringing it's hands. The U.S. just means 'us'. Time to take it back.

Banks didn't do this. And why would BofA take care of her, aside from their own charitable interests? They don't own the home--HUD does. A few people--too few imo--have this mostly or all right. You want the government to take care of you? You want to be the serf you always dreamed you could be? Fine. But don't expect the government to do a very good job of things.

Oh, since at least a few of you do not know...HUD is a department within the federal government, and one that in almost every thing they do (I only say almost because there might be a slim chance that something doesn't fit this category) there is no constitutional authority for it.

This sad case, this poor woman, will be taken care of by her community and by those people who can help her. The federal government is the OBSTACLE to that kind of civic spirit. Despite the fact that Detroit is the American version of a third world city, the people there are plenty capable of pulling together to make this right for this woman. And, just maybe, the cops can be busy doing something else while the community beats the crap out of her son.

Rich: When this story first hit, Bank of America PROMISED that they would take care of this woman. At least that is what was written in the AP story. To me, "taking care of her" wasn't putting her in the streets. If the AP story was correct on what was first written about this sweet little lady. And yes, it is a sad story.

Wow, Rich, can I hold the bat? Seriously, having lived in MI, there should be some churches, fellow community members who can step up, fix this house back to a livable environment. A 2 x 4 stud only costs about $3 depending on where you live...heck, I would volunteer myself if I lived there. Anyone who lives to be that age should be applauded...and, yes, the son should be taken out to the woodshed. It's called COMMUNITY! The government shouldn't always have to step in....the neighbor down the street, the church around the corner...some housewives willing to stop once a week for 30 minutes to help with grocery shopping...the carpenter who comes in and fixes something...the plumber who comes in for 30 minutes to unclog a sink....everyone steps up and it's a beautiful thing!

Hey, here's a thought...is there anything set up...some donation site we can all send a couple dollars to, to help this woman out? Does anyone know of something? Two to five bucks per person on this site and the money would be available to help fix this situation. There's 323 posts to this site right now...at five bucks thats $1,615 to donate for supplies and someone else donates labor. That's the way things used to be done.

Hi Mrs. Georgia Peach,

I can't find an original story for this case. I don't see how HUD could've taken possession of the home from BofA (I'm not sure BofA does any reverse mortgages anyhow) so rapidly, assuming the original story was recent. Without knowing who held the paper on the reverse mortgage, and why HUD now owns the home, it's hard for me to see why any bank is repsonsible for helping anyone out.

It might be nice if a bank like BofA would help, don't get me wrong, but there just isn't any indication from this article that any bank is in any way responsible.

Wally, politics aside, which shouldn't even be included in this, although I would really get a chuckle to see him swing a hammer....This isn't about government. This is about people caring for people.

do u serioully think our government is going to take care of her. hell no! They don't care about their own people. Her home isn't liveable..it must of been since she has lived to be 101. It has to be better then being homeless out on the street. Some times a dirty home is more healthy then a spottless one. If they went through all the homes in USA and seen how messy they were 3/4 of us would be on streets right now.

Swaggaraunt-- Better read the Constitution.

The federal govt. CAN give BILLIONS to corporations, so they can pay MILLIONS in bonuses to their CEO's...but can't spend a few thousand on a home, that will need repairs before it is sold, anyhow?

I agree this case is one of grave injustice. It sounds as if the woman's home was condemned for being in bad condition and that is why HUD took over. No doubt the bank is concerned about the "appraisal value" of the house because of the needed repairs and cleaning. I suspect the banks are eager to grab property to take advantage of citizens such as this disadvantaged elderly woman so that they can get property for nothing and sell it to someone else. I do hope some charity, such as Christmas in April, or a church group will make the repairs so that this lady can return to her home.

Wally - Why doesn't Obama have a Jimmy Carter Habitat for Humanity moment and personally go there and pound a hammer or saw a board.

Maybe you could pick up a hammer and help out. I think our President has his hands full right now trying to keep the world from blowing up.

What an absurd comment.

This is what Ron Paul is talking about. Lets help our people get straightened out first. Then we can help others in other countries. People in the community even Detroit has a heart for the downtrodden. She will find help no matter what the Govt. does or what the crappy bank does.

from the aticle "Texana Hollis was evicted Sept. 12 and her belongings placed outside after her 65-year-old son failed to pay property taxes linked to a reverse mortgage"

Reverse mortgage? Property taxes? There were a lot of chances to maintain the property, but you can see it should be let go in favor of more affordable housing, even if it is a little smaller.

If this story was about an elderly man, no one would care as there would be no picture of a homeless man crying to headline the story.

Here's big government BS for you. Create Reverse mortgages knowing that people who are getting these loans have no way to pay back, take their houses and leave the people on the street. HUD what a piece of worthless crap. Every HUD employee should be fired.

Let's see, 101 years old, no money, house falling apart and was evicted from it anyway, no health insurance - well the solution is to kick her out onto the street (who cares if it is winter time) and let her die in a ditch.

I'm waiting for the GOP audience to applaud. I can't hear you..... where is the applause?

Bike Boy, isn't this what Ron Paul was talking about when he got applause from the audience?

Where is her family? What happened to the money she received for the reverse mortgage? Why was the money not spent to make the home habitable?Why was the money not used to keep up with her taxes?

How is this anyone's fault other than the family of this lady? Her son screwed up and now your blaming BofA and HUD? Banks and the GVT did not cause this woman her problems - she and her family did.

For those of you whining about being forced out of a home she lived in for 60 years losing 60 years of memories - how in the hell do you make the leap that those are memories she wants to keep - sounds as if she lived in a rat infested pest hole with no support from her worthless family. Yep those are memories worth keeping.

Bank of America didn't foreclose on this home... it was foreclosed by the tax authorities for unpaid taxes. Tax liens are superior to mortgage liens. With a reverse mortgage, they pay her her equity in the home until they have paid her what the agreed upon price was. Then the property belongs to the reverse mortgage holder. You can choose how you want to be paid but the kicker is... now she no longer will get paid for the "equity" in her home so her income from this source is gone. Tax authorities sell it for the taxes only. Sounds like somebody needs to find the son and let mama stomp his sorry arse! This woman was undoubtedly receiving the income from the reverse mortgage, probably social security or SSI income. I would love to know how much the taxes were that were not paid... probably peanuts.

There are people who do nothing but wait for homes to go into tax foreclosure and buy the properties for the back taxes. Sounds like HUD bought this one though... probably due to its condition.

Its' been a while since this story first appeared. The bank did say they would help here out and don't recall any mention of HUD being involved. Much mention was made of the police officers who refused to evict her that day. It was about 50-50 in the praise and the disrespect for this lady and the officers. I'd like to know what happended to the officers that refused to evict. Even more I'd like to know where were all the people on this site that suggested the community step up and help her??? No good reason why the community hasn't stepped up fixed that house up and helped pay off the balance owed which I think was less than 20k. Another good question,where was Obama. Perfect PR idea for him to show up and swing a hammer. At least would've got me thinking better of him. The son got the mother and grandmother to sign the house over to him. Wich in some ways makes sense to skip past inheritance taxes etc.. Just too bad they couldn't trust him to take care of them in their last years. You'd think he would've been investigated to see if any thing he did was prosecuteable?? I also expressed during the first story that likely some attorney(s) would step up and help these women pro-bono. Guess I was wrong about that. You see many stories where community helps disabled vets with remodels of their home etc.. REally thought it would happen here as well. Think I also asked if anyone was setting up a donation fund but did here any more about it. Its just too bad when our elderly are treated badly by those that should be honoring them. 101 years of life experience, stories of the past that most of us can only read about etc.. are things this woman has to offer her communtiy. Now if this site does another follow up MAYBE they should mention where can send donations. Don't understand why organizations like habitat for humanity didn't step up in this case.

Dozens have read these posts, thousands have read the article, and millions of people in The U.S.A. can fix this situation. Sadly (almost) all these people won't lose a wink of sleep turning thier backs on this ladies plight. Especially, You, those who claim to believe if you have 2 coats and see one without give them your extra. No conditions except thinking that statement is suppose to reach someone else not You(???).

"Here I am, 100 years old, and don't have a home," Hollis said, rounding off her age. "Oh Lord, help me."

Sorry Texana, but that heavenly god has abandoned you. You need help and there are people out there to help you out.

I think HUD should pay for a cleaning crew to go in and clean up the mess in there. If they had not evicted her in the first place this never would have happened.

However, if it is so unlivable and unsanitary, then find this woman a decent home to live in for the remainder of her years. She does not need to be stressed out like this and made to struggle, and what's more troubling here is, not one religious organization has come forward to assist and help this woman out.

WTF has happened to our country when people do things like this to the elderly, disables and the poor that are barely making ends meet.

I have a sneaky suspicion that 2012 is going to be a real bad year for all of us. Get to know your neighbors and stock up on food and other supplies, because you just might be relying on one another since out government has failed the American people big time in robbing them of everything.

REVOLUTION 2012

Where is her low life son? This woman belongs in an Assisted Living Facility, at the very least. Apparently she is capable of doing most things for herself, but cleaning isn't going to be one of them. She is likely unable to keep herself as clean as she should be or would like to be, but isn't ill, so a nursing facility would be too much. Yes, an assisted living facility is exactly what she needs. Now, someone find the money to keep her in one for her remaining days.

1. Someone needs to take personal responsibility to continue to pay the property taxes with or without a reverse mortgage, who ever that person was, either the mother or the son. Even if they did not have a reverse mortgage someone should have been paying the property taxes.

2. The local government needs to get more involved in collecting the property tax some way better through garnish bank account or be allowed to make monthly payments. The notice comes out each year and it tells you to make either one or two payments of what the amount is. I personally make four payments between January and April, because I cannot afford to make the two payments they ask me to do. They should allow you to make it in twelve monthly installments. It would be a lot easier for a lot of seniors on a fixed income.

3. The article did not say if she was getting money each month or just eliminated her mortgage payment. Bless her heart if she got to continue to live in her home and save the money she was paying for a mortgage payment. Shame on her son if he took the money and did not fix up the house for his mother.

4. A lot of people that commented on this article do not know how reverse mortgages work. If anyone over age 70 is still paying a mortgage they are crazy to keep paying the mortgage so the heirs have something to fight over after they are dead. If they are barely making ends meet because they still have an $800 to $1400 a month house payment. They need to do a reverse mortgage eliminated her mortgage, and then after they are gone the heirs get what is left…NOT the bank.

The article read that she was being helped by a friend (Cheek) who let her stay at her place. Why does the son have to do drugs. Has anyone thought about him losing his job. He is 65 and living in Detriot. This economy really sucks and I don't think this helps putting the blame on someone when there is no proof of anything. Most people now are having to work longer just to survive and in a place where there is so many problems with housing and jobs and the economy in general. Detriot has SO MANY Houses that are empty. Why not give her one!

The Devil- By the way, a Reverse Mortgage is a loan where you get to live in your house without having to pay a mortgage until you die then the house gets turned over to whatever company holds the Mortgage. The Mortgage company holds the title to the house while you live there free until you pass. And HUD does not give out Reverse Mortgages. GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT!!!

The article is very confusing. How is it possible for HUD to now own the house considering that it was supposedly sold for non payment of taxes?

If the house was sold for the taxes owed on the property was it purchased by HUD?

Was this in actuality a forclosure because in another article it is noted that more money has been paid out via the reverse mortgage to the tune of 80 thousand dollars which apparently is more than the house is now valued for which was about 45 thousand dollars as noted in other articles.

Another article stated the taxes owed was about 800 dollars or so, so who in actuality owns the house?

Another article suggested that the reason that HUD got involved is because of the reverse mortgage.

Is this the same elderly woman who was not evicted about a month or so ago and where there were various people including state or local reps and other leader who were supposedly going to help this elderly woman to stay in the home?

Why was her furniture thrown away? Why was she treated so poorly? Instead of putting her out on the streets she was admitted to the hospital for supposedly dizziness or something like that.

Wasn't there an article regarding a property owner who owns several high priced rental properties and who was owing nearly a million dollars in property taxes and whose properties were put up for sale for for taxes owed. It went on to tell how this man did not pay the taxes seemingly on purpose so that he could repurchase the property at auction for less than the taxes owed. There is this guy using the state/city auction system to scam the system and not pay thousands of dollars in property taxes and gets away with it every time, and the thing is that this man was not alone in doing this sort of thing thus denying the state/city the revenue that it needs especially during these difficult time. Yet this little old lady gets evicted from a home that she has lived in for the past 60 years?

The photo of the exterior of the house show a rather lovely old house.

No photos were shown of the interior of the house, so one only has the word of the HUD official etc about the condition of the interior of the house at this time.

Needing a good clean and declutter, a paint job and maybe some new appliances does not make the house unlivable, especially if the pipes are not broken, the heating and cooling system works and there are no broken glass in the windows and if the roof is fairly sound.

Why weren't photos of the interior of the house at the time of eviction not shown..... too late now, as anything can be photoshopped to prove a negative point.

Makes one wonder who wanted this house so badly to evict this elderly woman? Who ever at HUD purchased the house will probably do a 'flip' of the property no doubt or probably find a way to keep it.... hmmm Imagine buying a home for about 800 or so dollars if it was indeed sold for taxes owed and was not a forclosure.

Sadly appraisers are appraising homes artificially low these days imo, as houses are being appraised at the value of the last house sold in the area which may have been a short sale or a forclosure. There seen to be no % mark up for the home being occupied by the or an owner. It would seem therefore that the prices/values are being set at rock bottom prices/ appraised value for purchase by investors.... a la Romney's plan.

Now investors/flippers are getting back into the market again, although they were also part of the housing bubble problem in the first place, as noted in another article published recently regarding the causes that led to the housing bubble and housing market implosion.

So here we go again....banks still to big to fail, housing market 'investors' re-entering the market...again doing the old purchase cheap at auction or from bank, fixup and flip for mega bucks. Sound like old times huh... LOL

The son or grandson is supposedly 65 or 68 y/o. Not exactly a spring chicken.

Why is it this sort of stuff happens in certain parts of this country? Don't they have a Department for the Aged or whatever it is called... that gives help to the elderly in these areas? The department was probably downsized into non-existence in an attempt to fit the make govt smaller model, whatever the cost, even into inefficiency.

Wonder how many other first world countries like Canada or the UK, Germany, France etc treat their eldery citizens like we do? Aren't children of elderly parents required to look after them or provide for their care in countries like Japan and China etc?

Wonder what Ron Paul would say about this elderly woman's eviction or Gingrigh and the other T'publicons for that matter? Based on his previous statements, Paul probably would suggest that as she is no longer able to provide for herself she should be left to die or seek assistance from a charity org..... and all would say... cut her benefits, cut her social security if she gets any, no public safety nets, she needs to go get a job, cause she does not want to work ... LOL

habitat for humanity, comcast, big banks, any big corporation....heck the pro sports teams in the area could all take this womans needs to heart...................

we should all take care of those in our community..especially the elderly.

This dear woman needs a couple angels to lift her burden and fix her home.

"...the moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; those who are in the shadows of life; the sick, the needy and the handicapped. " ~ Last Speech of Hubert H. Humphrey

"A nation's greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members." ~ Mahatma Ghandi

It's too bad she doesn't seem to have family to help her out.

She does have family. Her family helped put her out on the street.

scum sucking banks..

That's right. The banks made her and/or her son not pay the property taxes so they could repo a pig sty.

Gotta love this article though - keep the story alive of people "deserving" things because of their inability/unwillingness to pay.

Thethinker, where is the evidence that the house was a pig sty?

Where is the evidence that this 101 year old woman was aware of the problem and was unwilling to pay?

What about the various wealthy property owners who do not pay their property taxes owed on purpose and knowingly allow the property to go to auction in order to then purchase it back at the lowest possible bid, thus denying the state/city millions of dollars in property tax revenues as was noted in another article recently?

But you are willing to beat up on this little old lady of 101 years old whose property tax of about 800 dollars (if I am not mistaken) was not paid?

BZe1 -

The federal government now says a 101-year-old Detroit woman it promised could move back into her foreclosed home four months ago can't return because the building's unsanitary and unsafe.

Opening statement in the article.

There are numerous times and ways that homeowners are notified the home is being foreclosed. If the family members are the ones that did this to her, then why is the onus on the banks to left her remain in the house? Maybe the family was trying to force mom to move out because she was unable to kept up with the home repairs and cleaning - despite mom's belief that she was doing a good job. How did the house get in such a state of filth and disrepair if mom was able to tend to her own issues?

I agree with the help of our heavenly father please send your angels to fix and help this lady go home, It is her only wish to go home. I am praying for this to happen come on Detroit help this woman out i ask this in Jesus name, Amen

Please Lord GOD, you know what she stands in the need of. Bless her in a way that will restore her home to a livable state. You are Wonderful GOD and you said in Your Word "You Will Never Leave or Foresake Us". Touch her in a mighty way only You can. In Jesus name, and all the praying folks on this site say AMEN.

Amen.

I'm thinking God has already provided for her with where she currently is...but, more prayers for all the less fortunate than ourselves is never a bad thing...

Dear Heavenly Father, You know about this situation and You promised in Your Word that when 2 or more are gathered together (as all of us on this comment board) You are in the midst of them (us). Ask in My Name and it will be given. The Lord wants to give his children the desires of our hearts. God is a loving God and loves His children! Please, Lord help this dear 101 year old lady survive this crisis and get the help that she needs. I pray this prayer in Jesus's Holy Name, The King of Kings and Lord of Lords, AMEN and AMEN!

Phil. 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

180movie.com

If you liked Facing the Giants, you will love Fireproof, Flywheel and Courageous!

Yes, dam tired, for thousands of years people lived that way. The Earth's population was about 300 million, people lived forty years and died in pain. But there was plenty of clear land available. Now, with over 7000 million we have to clean up after ourselves or we would all be stepping in it every minute.

What is an "angle" going to do for her??

You are truly wrong. there wont be winged beings flying around fixing the house. it truly isa beautiful thought, but its not true. Humans need to wake up and realize we are alone in this world, and living how we do, treating each other the way we have cannot continue. not praying to angels.

she meant angels not angle.

Jan, it was a rhetorical question out of humor.

Why don't all of you who are praying for her practice what your religion preaches and do something about helping her yourselves?

Marlene-923087: If the best you can do is point out a simple typo, unplug your computer.

Who prayed to their god to send the foreclosure guys to her house - bad.

Eugene Saxe: what you said applies to you too

God doesn't have anything to do with this, but I do believe in people, and I believe that caring, giving people will step up to the plate and do something for this woman so she can return to her home.

Well there might not even be a God. Thats up to each of us what we decide to believe. Having said that I know alot of people that beleive in something bigger than themselves. These are people that have had religious instruction at least in childhood who believe in things like the "golden rule" etc.. I think that religon helps us ultimately understand the concept of right and wrong and what things we should value in life even if we never formally paractice a faith or attend church.I personally watched a miracle that I believe occurred becuase of god, people with hope and prayer and the ill persons own faith and will power to survive. Wasn't just god or that he showed up to heal this ill person but a g roup of people gathered around this person and helped rally her around to fight for her life. If we didn't believe that it could happen she likely wouldn't have fought and survived. So believe want you want and let others alone to believe what they will.

Why is it that religious people always ask for gods help after bad things happen? If there really was a god, and said god actually did care... he wouldn't have let her get kicked out in the first place.

The reality is, if someone does help get this woman back in her house... "god" won't have anything to do with it. It will either be some government agency, or a concerned private citizen willing to open their wallet. Remember to thank them, not god, should that happen.

Step up to the plate and help your neighbor crying out for help, for he or she is your brother or sister in need.

Someone please let me know if winged fairies help this poor lady out.

If god is so omniscient and omnipotent, how did she end up being evicted in the first place? Are the banks actually more powerful than god?

No. HUD basically owns the house. They cannot legally or morally allow someone to live in condemned or condemndable conditions. The taxpayer can pay for her to live in an unsafe environment (her home) and pay her son millions when he sues, or the taxpayer can pay for her to live in a safe environment.

I agree with northofdenali.Let this little old lady GO HOME!

They can fix the house up!They have money to send as aid over seas to some bumfark country, who can give two craps for the US, but they can't take care of their own citizens in this country.One Hundred Year old citizens who lived here all their lives, payed taxes, and whatever,but yet they can't fix their house up!

I find that more immoral than this lady moving back into her broken down house.

FIX THE LADY'S HOUSE UP FOR GAD'S SAKES AND LET HER DIE HAPPY!

My heart felt condolences northofdenali!

Right - so let's cut back on a few minutes' payments to Haliburton and hire a few low cost contractors to make her home habitable. This is a no brainer in a world where the Pentagon pays $350 for hammers. Stick the Corps of Engineers in there for two days and the whole thing would be better than new.

my pov,

Baloney!!! Who is the government to say what is or isn't "sanitary"...........she looks pretty healthy to me!

For thousands of centuries people pissed and pooped in a hole in the ground, until some yahoo businessman invented indoor plumbing and the government (our employees) decided that everyone MUST use indoor plumbing.

For thousands of centuries people lived with an outdoor water pumps and wooden buckets to carry their water............then the government decided that every house had to have running water.

For thousands of centuries people lived with only candles or oil lamps for illumination and then the light bulb was discovered and then the government mandated that every home must have them and now they are "mandating" what kind of light bulbs we have to use.

For thousands of centuries, people lived with pot belly stoves for heat, then the gas furnace was invented and the government came along and outlawed heating homes that way.

The government decided all of this to enrich themselves and their corporate friends........not because it was "unsanitary".

dam tired, why don't you take your anti-government screed elsewhere? None of the changes you cite were "mandated" by government - people CHOSE them because they were less expensive and more convenient. And by the way, it is not now, nor has it ever been (at least to my knowledge) illegal to use a woodstove to heat a house. And by the way, long before gas furnaces were being used, people were using coal furnaces to heat their homes.

dam tired of this - you are right that people lived for thousands of years that way . . . but they also died younger because of water-borne and food-borne illnesses due a lot to lack of sanitation. They also did not have the medications to care for these illnesses. Homes often burned down and people died from using candles for lighting and fire as the primary source of heating. I do understand what you are saying because I get frustrated when people say they "need" a cell phone or "need" a car when these things were not even around decades ago. But a lot of good has also come from our modern conveniences. Safety being some of the good things.

The same thing happened to my husband's grandmother. She was 96 years old, lived alone and did all her own housework and cooking, and still drove herself to the grocery store. She was fiesty and would tell you in no uncertain terms that she didn't need help getting up and could find the way to the bathroom on her own, that you very much!

She fell and had to be taken to the hospital and social services got involved and talked her family into putting her in a home. She hated it! She wanted to be in her own home surrounded by her own familiar things. She went from a healthy, vibrant woman to dead in six weeks. Putting her in that home killed her spirit first, then her body.

HUD is wrong to force that poor woman from her home, no matter what condition it is in. It's her home. My prayer is that her church and people in the area band together and make her home habitable enough for her to move HOME. Home is more than walls, floors and a roof.

D. tired should check to see if the Amish take converts. That rant is really against engineers and inventors from the private sector, not the government. If this lady in Detroit gets back in her home, thank an engineer and a contractor.

Vicki,

I'm not anti-government........I am....anti-criminal..........because we haven't had honest government employees in this country for at least the last 40 years.

And yes Vicki, every single one of those things I mentioned IS MANDATED by government regulations.............every one of them! You might want to do some research on housing codes.

essie222,

Housing codes........created by government employees. And, It's not a rant, it's the truth..........sorry that it hurts so much.

Samantha,

You do understand..........what I'm saying is they've gone way too far in their attempts to "control" and "sanitize" people's lives.

Sunny,

I'm sorry to hear about your grandmother...........that has happened to many, many elderly people in this country. It's disgusting!

Peace.

All of a sudden the government says the house is not safe to live in. Where were they for the last 60 years when the old woman lived there? Let the old woman decide whether or not the house is safe to live in.

vicki- it absolutely is illegal to heat your house with a wood stove in some parts of the country.

In my opinion, the best thing is for the HUD to let her do what she wants. If they think her house is unsanitary and unsafe then give her the option of a new house at no charge. Make two attempts at persuading her. Be calm and kind so that you don't give her too much trouble. If she refuses then give her option of renovating her house. If she refuses that then just let her move back to her old house, the house she calls home. A house is to live in, a home is to relax and love in. Some people might not have a house but they still have a home, just because they are with that and those they love.

Peace!

I'm kinda glad I dont have to poop in the yard. Oh ya, and don't mess with the old people, it's easier to help.

I remember heating with coal. Also, remember pittsburg in the 60's when the building were so black form coal smoke.

Also, remember when Denver started banning wood stoves or you had to upgrade to one that produced less smoke because there was a recurrent weather phenomenon which kept the smoke from rising and creating severe air pollution in the winter. if Denver started burning in those old wood stoves again the air pollution would happen again, more old and vulnerable would have to go to the hospital.

How about the ground water contamination from sewage and dead bodies.

Yes the government was the one who drove down the deaths and increased the longevity of people because the interfered.

If you want to know what it was like to live in the "old days" go to pine ridge indian reservation whose life expectancy is in the low 50's. I'll keep the modern laws and conveniences I just want them enforced efficiently and fairly.

northofdenali - I missed your point. What has your mother's cussing out others and dying of pneumonia a year ago got to do with this lady being not being allowed to live in a pig sty?

The reverse mortgage wasn't the problem. Everything was fine until her son failed to pay the property taxes.

hope that she changes her will to disinherit the son & leave whatever resources she may have to her good friend, Polly.

That is right GAdude, the reverse mortgage was not the problem. Someone needs to take personal responsibility to continue to pay the property taxes with or without a reverse mortgage, who ever that person was, either the mother or the son. Even if they did not have a reverse mortgage someone should have been paying the property taxes.

A lot of people that commented on this article do not know how reverse mortgages work. If anyone over age 70 is still paying a mortgage they are crazy to keep paying the mortgage so the heirs have something to fight over after they are dead. If they are barely making ends meet because they still have an $800 to $1400 a month house payment. They need to do a reverse mortgage eliminated her mortgage, and then after they are gone the heirs get what is left…NOT the bank.

It seems like they are doing what they can to find a way to rectify the situation and fix the home. To me I think the blame should partially go on the 65 year old son, who not only didn't pay the taxes, but failed to maintain the home.

Lyrica,

At 101 years old, that woman has paid her dues...........nobody should have to pay taxes after a certain age........that age being about 50, the age that corporate america starts pushing employees out the door.

I agree with Lyrica. How and why did HUD become the owner of the home anyway?

Alan Curtis Montgomery: Actually, if the house is "uninhabitable", it is their JOB to tell her she can't live there.

GAdude: Reading the article would've made your question unnecessary. Try it some time.

What? are you new in life? It is the government's position to tell you what to do whether you like the consequences or not.

If they knew the home was in such bad shape and allowed her to move back in and something happened to her the public cries would be much different. It's not Obamas fault or Detroits fault, heck it may not even be her sons fault. Things happen.

They are trying to help her and that is what is important. Get a grip!

nobody should have to pay taxes after a certain age

dam~ While that would be ideal, it's not legal. Her son was supposed to be dealing with the taxes, as to whether or not he was living in the home, I don't know however I do not fault the 101 year old woman for failing to maintain her house. There are two things certain in life, death and taxes. Tammy has it right, if they HAD allowed her to move back in and something had happened to her because of that, you can bet everyone would be crawling up the governments behinds accusing them of not doing their job. Something they ARE doing now.

You want to accept responsibility for her death if the house collapses on her?
Or are you another lefty handouter with a mouth and an opinion?

@lyrica- maybe in Detroit it is not legal, but in Randolph county, Al., you are not required to pay property taxes after the age of 65. I just don't understand why that can't be the case everywhere as long as the home is a single family home with no tenants

Alan,

It would be an infamy if officials allowed anyone to move into a property that was unsafe and unsanitary. This is one of the very basic responsibilities of government.

jkh

Self~

The only problem that I can see with the no tax thing for this particular lady, is that she had a reverse mortgage on her home. Now I will admit that I have only a slight understanding of it, so if anyone can explain otherwise I'd be happy to listen, as it is I'm pretty darn tired and trying to read it is difficult. Because (as the story reads) she does have a reverse mortgage, it provides income that she can tap into for retirement. Because the home is being served as collateral, when she dies those who are left can either sell the house to pay back the loan or repay the mortgage themselves and keep the home. However since the condition of the house is such that it is unsafe for her to live, who knows if the mortgage company is going to get anything back for selling it.

Looking into it, it says that reverse mortgages are not taxable, however you are required to pay real estate taxes, utilities, and insurance since the company providing the reverse mortgage has vested interest in the home. Which makes sense, even in the article it mentions it:

Texana Hollis was evicted Sept. 12 and her belongings placed outside after her 65-year-old son failed to pay property taxes linked to a reverse mortgage,...

Even if the town/county has no property taxes for seniors, I don't know if that would be the case in a reverse mortgage situation. Would be interesting to find out.

She signed over the house to the grandson to avoid all the hassles of inherititance taxes etc.. etc.. Thats was the mistake..trusting the grandson to do right by his mother and grandmother.

dam tired, why should you not have to contribute to society after a certain age? That is what certain kinds of tax breaks and write-offs are for, to provide more income to certain people with certain qualifying criteria. For the record, the home was signed over to her son, so she was not the actual owner. She just lived there.

Why doesn't her family fix her own darn home. They ran it into the ground. She has lived there 60 years and it is in that bad of condition. It is very sad to say but what does that say about the family.

If the government is going to go around fixing homes then sign us all up

Try reading the article Pedro. She lost the house because her FAMILY didn't pay taxes, yet you think they're going to step up and refurbish it?

yes, and HIRE people to do so with federal-level wages! and benefits too!

There are millions collecting unemployment insurance for doing nothing. Is it that difficult to make them do something for their money?

What happened to personal responsibility blah blah....less government, no hand outs, pull yourself up by your bootstraps and on and on......Not such a nice picture is it?

I believe that another condition of a reverse mortgage is to maintain the property. Sounds like the son didn't care about mom. and saw only that she and the house were piggy banks.

I wonder how many of you wouldn't be calling your local building inspectors to complain about a house in serious disrepair next door?

Tammy - thank you for pointing this out!

american - I would hope neighbors would know about a situation before calling local authorities. I know our community would offer help and free labor for repairs if they were aware of the situation. Nothing like a block party to raise some money for a neighbor in need!

@ Tammy. Personal responsibility is great in a society where people are willing to help those in need of there own will. What has happened is now, thru heavy taxation, we are forced to to help someone we don't know thru someone we don't know. I personally don't mind helping people, but I would like to decide for myself if they really need help or not.( and no, I am not insinuating that this lady shouldn't be helped) , but I think it should be handled by the community (or those that choose to help).

Dam,

If my neighbor turns their home into an unsanitary rat hole unfit for habitation of course it is governments responsibility to condemn the property and forbid it to be occupied. The basic responsibility of all government is to ensure the health and safety of the citizenry.

jkh

self sufficient Too bad it's not a perfect world and people don't always get the help they need. It's not because of heavy taxation, it's nothing more than human nature. So if no one steps forward to help a poor soul like this do we just throw them on the street? If we go by the "self sufficient" mantra of course we could not expect the city, county, state or fed governments to help. So then what?

To say everyone should help is great in theory, but that doesn't always happen.

Good idea, Bill, but the ACLU would not allow it. It is common sense, so can't happen.

It's not the son that got her into this...........it's the damn government and the banks! They are the ones solely responsible for evicting this 101 year old woman from her home.............They need to leave her alone, and let her live out her life........her way, not theirs!

It fairly boggles the mind.We all can agree that granny shouldn't have to worry,but how did everyones problem become your or my problem?On the other hand,there are surely an assload of houses can be used for just this purpose-this is Detroit we're talking about

Exactly how many houses can you fit it your ass?

It's our problem because the taxpayer pays for her defrauding the mortgage company as many of the above bloggers short sightedly endorse. It's our problem because if the contract is honored, and HUD breaks the law and allows her back into an unsafe home, again a short sighted suggestion, we the taxpayers pay her son millions of dollars when he sues. It's our problem because the cheapest, kindest solution is for the taxpayers to pay for safe housing.

None of our business, but I'm curious. What did she do with the money from the reverse mortgage? It seems she could have used the money towards the house or the taxes that her son didn't pay.

my pov,

Baloney again............our government and the banks are nothing but one huge ripoff, committing the act of slavery on a daily basis for the last 200 or so years.

What did she do with the money?

I'll bet she used it to eat with, or pay her over priced utility bills or pay her taxes until the money ran out......but that's just my guess.

People don't realize the scope of foreclosed homes in the US...and not just from 'poor' or 'minority' folk. It's on a level (I believe), where the proper descriptive word use would be...MASSIVE amounts of foreclosures. People are so embarassed, and too full of 'pride' to complain. Some get creative and just resort to outdoor living. This is more common than many people think, or believe today.

my pov= totally agree with you.

Someone needs to take personal responsibility to continue to pay the property taxes with or without a reverse mortgage, who ever that person was, either the mother or the son. Even if they did not have a reverse mortgage someone should have been paying the property taxes.

The local government needs to get more involved in collecting the property tax some way better through garnish bank account or be allowed to make monthly payments. The notice comes out each year and it tells you to make either one or two payments of what the amount is. I personally make four payments between January and April, because I cannot afford to make the two payments they ask me to do. They should allow you to make it in twelve monthly installments. It would be a lot easier for a lot of seniors on a fixed income.

Ray, how about setting the money aside each month. It seems to work out just fine for most people. I escrow my taxes and insurance, so I just have a monthly payment for my house, and I budget for it accordingly.

Wish I could help. Where's Oprah when needed...yeah, and I just read that Jay-Z has some $150,000.00 RING??? I know it's "his money", but the survival disparity between people living in this country is plain mind-boggling!

The ring was $500,000.

Why doesn't Jay-Z's lady give up the ring?

Or ABC and "Extreme Makeover"

I thought Extreme Makeover Home Edition just recently had their series end?.........

why is it the governments responsability to maintain a residence? This idea of being entitled is getting out of hand.

Possibly, because they own it.

Hey american-2051576, you sound like the kind of guy who wouldn't throw a life preserver to a drowning woman, calling her too lazy to swim.

It's the "government's responsibility" because it's the only entity that can do the heavy lifting to do get the job done. And also because, whether you like it or not, the people of this country have decided they will use government as a tool for the betterment of all it's citizens.

If you want to complain, well, I guess you are "entitled" to do that. But I'm entitled to disagree. Moreover, I believe most people do agree with me on this issue.

Secondarily, I do enjoy imagining your face turning bright red when you have to help pay for it, so there is that. You know, it's the small pleasures in life that make it great.

China wouldn't do this to a 101 year old woman.........they have much more respect for their elderly than Americans do.

Good point.

China may have more respect for their elderly, but have you seen how some people and (animals) are treated over there.. working conditions and living conditions for some are abysmal..

Hey DAMN TIRED----

You are right China wouldn't do this instead they would just give the residents 2 weeks to get out and then ball and chain destroy thier home right in front of and around their feet. I have seen it. So before ya talk anymore Sh-t gets your facts straight because you come off as an idiot!

Just a thought: why don't the members of her Church go in and clean and redo her home so it is safe, clean and comfy for her to live out her years? Put your money where your mouths are church members: In as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethern, you have done it unto me.

God bless this woman.

dam fool - You have very obviously never been to China. Please research their version of social services and then come back and apologize. Families do generally take care of their elders in Chinese culture but not the government, you truly are a dam fool.

You are looking at this situation very lopsided. No one would have had to evict a 101 year old woman except for what her family has done. It was not her eighbors or the government that benefitted from the money from the reverse mortgage, indications are that her son would have. This lady at 101 should not be in this situation she has been placed in by her family. In the United States there are many more sad stories because families are broken and have moved away from God. The responsibility is not on others or the government, neighbors, friends and even strangers can reach out and help her, not that family. She has a wonderful person who took her in. You cannot expect for her to go back to a house that would be dangerous for her to live in. It doesn't matter that the subject is brought to light now, thank God we know about it and now maybe she will not be in harms way. God has a way to test us, and her friend down the street will have many stars in her crown for doing the right thing. Where is the reverse mortgage money. She got social security every month, plus she should have received money from the reverse mortgage, I believe there is more to this story than trying to make people feel sorry for this lady, someone needs to investigate that family and the cruelty they have set on her by obviously making her live in those conditions. Where was the government people ask, staying out of your business until you invite them in, this is what has happened, thank God it wasn't too late for this lady. I pray she will have the peace and tranquility she so deserves.

right on barb, there is a lot more i would really like to say, but then they would probably come and drag me away!

I know right I too have begun to wonder just how much REAL FREEDOM OF SPEECH we have....

Tell the Radio or TV stations in your area about this poor women.What else can happen never in my life have I seen a 100 year old put out on the street.I am going to call my TV channels to let them know.Peace

Well that didn't take long. How come no one let me know that we were playing the "lets blame President Obama for things that have absolutely nothing to do with President Obama" game. I want in!

I can't believe that Obama just missed that field goal that would have put the Ravens in the Superbowl.

But really though, I know what you mean. The balls on that guy! How dare he set aside one of the 132 rooms in the White House so his mother in law could live there. I mean it's not like she's been the kids primary care giver while the parents are working their entire lives. What kind of a crappy parent would do as much as they could make their kids lives as close to normal as possible? All they did was move from home, public school and all of their friends to the White House where everything they do is watched and everywhere they go they are surrounded by men with walkie talkies and guns. There's NO way that could possibly be stressful to a preteen.

He really shouldn't be so much of an arrogant elitist and just do the right thing and get a nanny for the kids. Its not like there's anyone that would go to an online message board, find a story that has absolutely nothing to with the President and make a monumentally stupid comment about the tax payers paying for the Presidents kids nanny. That would never happen.

I love this comment...lmao

Best comment award.

Swept in a wave of sarcasm....love it.

Ha! Best Comeback Award!

That's the problem, her family did not help her!

She's lived there for 60 years! Please...she wasn't old all that time now...c'mon. She probably could have stayed there but it was too trashy! Who trashed it all those years? Let's not get so tearful and have some accountability here. geez...and then ya wonder.......

Government needs to get their nose out of us. We are the government. If you are not harming or inconviencing other citizens you have the right to be left alone! The government needs to butt-out of our business! Like chosing where we want to live! Our current government (the "empire royals" with their minons who think they are far above the law, and the bureacracy who think they can dictate to us who are the rulers of this nation.) Are wrong! We the people are the rulers of this nation and have the right to dispose them at any time. Why do you think they want to disarm the people??? Our government needs to distribute tax money to help our citizens. if any is left over they can then be the "saviours of the rest of this stinking world!

You got that right now when is the rest of some of these people going to catch

on I guess it will be when they get EVICTED..And oh yea What about all the MONEY the Goverment is spending on the War on drugs. take those two things and HAY NO HOMELESS

I think that extreme homemakeover is no longer on the air. Don't remeber what new show it is but heard thart Ty is doing something else. Anybody know for sure??

I know Ty's doing the new ABC daytime show The Revolution, but I didn't hear anything about Extreme Makeover: Home Edition being canceled.

This is the last season of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. The show is pre-taped way in advance so, it's not likely that they can help her now. Although, they could do it and make it the series finale. Wouldn't that be awesome?

So the Chinese aborted all female births 101 years ago. You need to take a basic biology class. China is full of people and last I heard it took women to do the required birthing chores related to that. So no females in 101 years would pretty much knock down the population. Try to have your argument have not only a fact but also try to have it be relevant and then have it make sense.

Please read "The Good Earth" Pearl Buck 1931.

Why? She was obviously happy there until the banks and the government nitwits decided that she couldn't live there anymore.

dam fool -Your ignorance is impressive. She took out a reverse mortgage, cashing out the value of the home, and surrendering title, very sad story but your version is wacky. Also, your mom just called, it's time for homework then a bath and bedtime.

It wuz stoopid that they won't allow her to go back into her home. Hello, she is an old lady. She doesn't have the energy to clean up. It is probably not half as smelly, dirty and full of old crap as my house. What's next, are they going to go to Africa and throw out all the rest of the black people out of their homes that are even dirtier? Have you ever been to the houses in Charlotte? Man, they are so nasty and stinky, it would even make my stomach turn. What do they want her to live like? Some white executive with a beautiful new home? She was happy there.

Reginald- please get a clue before writing again. No, they are not going to Africa to do anything. That is because the US gocerbment makes the laws for the US, not countries in Africa, so they will not be evicting anyone in Africa.

Reginald Brown you sound like a black bigot. Stop interjecting race into this situation because she is an elderly black woman doesn't change the fact that her black family caused this to happen not white people. You need to get a grip on life as it is for ALL people not matter what their race is. This dire situation came about because some one got their dirty fingers on reverse mortgage money and according to the law for EVERYONE when you don't pay according to the agreement that was signed for this reverse mortgage, actions would follow, which they did. Obviously, her family thought they would get away with this by having the newspapers print it out because she is 101 years old. I say, shame, shame, shame, on that family I don't care what their situation is they needed to take responsibility for their elder. I do. Now, putting her back into a home that is unsafe, oh I am sure her son would love that, and when the damn roof fell in and killed her, he could make millions of YOUR tax money by sueing the government. Get a grip on reality and stop blaming others because people don't step to the plate and just want to put the blame on others, especially the government. It is that very government that is trying to protect her now that they know her previous living conditions, you see they stayed out and didn't know about those conditions, but now they do, and the price will be paid, but not from my taxes that is for sure. Investigation needs to take place concerning where that reverse mortgage money was spent, thus leaving this lady in such dire straights. Shame on this family for allowing this to become public

Suzanne, You seem like a racist to me. NO WHERE in the story did it say her 65 year old son spent the money on something else. You are speculating that because its a black family they blew the money. That is completely racist. We don't know why the taxes didn't get paid. The guy is 65. Maybe he developed health issues and was in the hospital. We DON"T know it wasn't stated in the story. If this was a white, asian, or hispanic family would you draw the same conclusions on pure conjecture. You seem like an awful and judgemental person with a superiority complex. Shame on you for drawing conclusions without knowing the facts.

Don't know if they have programs in her area but in Oregon there are services that help seniors with housekeeping, grocery shopping, hygiene care, person al apts. etc.. The hours of service per month go by income and amount of phyical disability to care for ones self. The family could have arranged something like this years ago. But it sounds like the son was justing looking to get power over the greatest asset the women had, the house, that had been paid off before.Nice to see people much more respectful and caring about this story this time around. People reading the original story got pretty nasty and hateful towards this women and the police that refused to evict her.