90-year-old World War II Veteran Johnnie Hodges never knew he’d get kicked out from his own house.
Sadly, however, he earned debt when his late wife Flora fell ill with Alzheimer’s. He only paid attention to Flora, while the money that he owned to the bank grew day by day.
And when she passed away, John was left with a lot of money to pay back, and immeasurable pain for losing his soulmate.
There was nothing Johnnie could do when he owned more than $100,000 to the bank.
As a result, he was evicted from the house that he lived for more than 60 years.
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The whole time, John’s children had no idea that he was financially struggling, because he had never mentioned it to them.
“My dad is the type of guy who doesn’t really say a lot. Everything is good; even if it’s not good, he won’t tell you,” said Johnnie Hodges Jr., Johnnie’s son in the interview with The Washington Post.
In fact, several news reported the tearjerking moment when John refused to leave his house. “He told the police officers, ‘Put the handcuff on me and take me,'” said Robin, Johnnie’s daughter.
Instead of doing so, however, police and ambulance crews removed him on a stretcher.
When John’s community witnessed about his eviction, they could not let this happen to the brave soldier who had fought to keep the country safe.point 245 |
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Initiated by a local businessman Greg Elwood, the entire community came together to raise more than $110,000 in less than 24 hours.point 110 | In addition, Congressman Brian Higgins and HUD helped out, making it possible for John to buy back his house.point 201 | 1
When he finally came back home, John was in tears.
“There’s no place like home. I am so grateful that I am back to stay. And I am never leaving again!” said John.
What an amazing group of people – coming together to help out a person in need.
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