Jun 30, 2009 10:02 pm US/Eastern
Family Affected By Storm Is Dealt Another Blow
Neighbors 4 Neighbors: 305-597-4404
UNINCORPORATED FT. LAUDERDALE (CBS4) ―
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The Eliott family children are coping with living in a damaged home after a tree struck their home. Some have special needs because they suffer from a liver disease.
CBS
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The Elliott family home was damaged by this ficus tree that was struck by lightning. The 60-foot tree crashed through the roof and perforated the ceiling seen here.
CBS
When CBS4 caught up with Patrick Elliott he was wading in water while standing inside his home. Bucket after bucket, he was busy using a towel to soak up the rain water that continues to leak inside.
The Elliotts first made headlines a week ago when bad weather rolled through their neighborhood in unincorporated Ft. Lauderdale. Lightning struck a ficus tree during a thunderstorm causing a large limb to crash through the roof of their rented duplex at 1660 SW 41st Avenue.
Now days later, the family is reaching out to CBS4, hoping to get help with their unfortunate situation.
Water rushed in, putting Patrick, his wife, his 4 children and their 2 dogs out of a home. The Broward County Red Cross provided the family with 3 days hotel while the landlords of the duplex, Igrid and Byron Williams vowed to repair the damage.
The family says their landlords made an empty promise. The Elliotts say the owners informed them that they don't have the money to hire a professional to fix the gaping hole. Meanwhile, a plastic cover was placed over the missing roof tiles, but that hasn't stopped the South Florida rains from getting in.
The family now needs to find a new home as the fire department says the house is unsafe to live in.
Last Tuesday's storms brought down several power lines around the home and firefighters have advised that there's a risk of fire if the electricity is used in the home. It's already a delicate situation at home as three of the children have a rare kidney disease and one eats through a special feeding tube.
Patrick is out of a job and money is tight for the family. With few options and limited income the 6 have been living in and out their SUV.
"This is my ride and my home," Elliott explained, as he opens the door to his Ford Expedition.
The father says he never thought he'd been in this type of desperate situation.
"It's kind of embarrassing. My wife says I have to swallow my pride and ask for help, but it's hard. I have never been in this position before."
To make matters worse, someone broke into the home and ransacked the place. The thieves stole a number of valuable items including the wife's wedding ring. The kids' piggy banks were also wiped clean.
Elliott says he's only hoping for one thing for his family. "I just want them to have a home back."
If you or your company would like to help the Elliott's with an affordable home or apartment or any other kind of help please contact
Neighbors 4 Neighbors at 305-597-4404.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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