Neighbors rallying around 84-year-old woman forced to find new home in NKY
By Chris Jacobs
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BOONE COUNTY, Ky. (WLWT) — An 84-year-old woman in Erlanger is being forced to leave her home of 53 years after her duplex got new ownership, effective Aug. 31, leaving her and her neighbors to find new housing.
“So many wonderful memories. So many great things that happened in this home,” Evelyn Sandlin said.
Sandlin, who raised her family in the home with her late husband, described the duplex as “the nicest place I ever lived, except for my own mom’s home.”
The notice, posted on her front door, informed her that all leases at the duplex were terminated due to the property being sold to a new owner. Since then, Sandlin has been making calls all day in search of a new home.
“I’ve called places and tried to find some place to live. It’s not easy,” Sandlin said.
Cost, location and accessibility have made the search process challenging.
Evan Maines, Sandlin’s neighbor since 2021, is also being displaced but has been working to support her during this difficult time.
“I can’t abandon this neighbor I’ve had for five years, who’s in a volatile situation,” Maines said.
Maines has taken to social media to ask for help for Sandlin. Along with another neighbor from across the street, he has been a source of support for her, embodying the angel-themed art displayed on her front porch. Maines, who worked in ministry for 10 years, is determined to assist her.
“I can’t fathom having to live anywhere else, but I know I have to,” Sandlin said.
In addition to searching for a new home, Sandlin is dealing with deteriorating health. She is scheduled for a PET scan tomorrow to check for potential cancer.
A neighbor across the street has set up a GoFundMe to help Sandlin.
A family member who purchased the duplex said they believed they were simply buying a property for sale and were unaware of the hardship it would cause. They expressed hope that local organizations can help Sandlin during this transition.
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