The Tribune

By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

AN ELDERLY woman, who said she was forced to leave her home after an electrical fire, said today is her last day receiving housing assistance from the Department of Social Services and if she does not receive help from the public she and her grandson will be homeless.

In an interview with The Tribune, Lyn Burke, 66, said a few weeks ago, the apartment she was living in off Poinciana Avenue experienced an electrical fire, causing her, her son and her grandson to be without electricity.

After living in the apartment for a few days with no power, Ms Burke said Social Services paid for her to stay in a motel for a few weeks, but now her time is up and she has nowhere to go.

“I am hoping they give me an extension,” she said yesterday, near tears. “I receive pension and a cheque from the government so I can pay rent but the problem is the landlords will not take a letter from Social Services. The department told me they will pay for my first and last (month’s rent) and security deposit but these people don’t want a promise from Social Services – they want the cash in their hands now. So I can’t find anywhere to live,” she said.

“My son cleans part-time and my grandson is in school, so it is up to me to provide. I just need someone to help me. I am about to be homeless, living on the streets. I just want somewhere to stay, somewhere to live.

“We called Social Services and are trying to get an extension but if not, I don’t know what I will do. I am just trusting that God will find a way.”

Anyone who wants to get in contact with Ms Burke can contact The Tribune for more information.