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| Aroostook Republican Photo/Lisa Wilcox Bob and Debbie Jordan of Caribou stand on the ramp attached to the front of their Water St. home with their precious dog Howie. The ramp was installed to accommodate Debbie’s mobility issues. The couple are in danger of losing their home to foreclosure if they cannot raise $3,500 to catch up on their mortgage payments. |
By Lisa Wilcox
Staff Writer
CARIBOU — Caribou couple Debbie and Bob Jordan have owned their cozy home on Water St. since March of 2001. Financed through Maine State Housing, the Jordans had always been faithful in making their payments, working hard to ensure the funds were available each month. But an accident in August of 2007 changed the couple’s financial situation, and lives, drastically.
Bob was working for a contractor, mowing grass on the side of Route 11 in Fort Kent, when the tractor he was using was struck by an out of control SUV. The tractor rolled with Bob inside. Thankfully, he didn’t suffer any life-threatening injuries, but damage was done to his back. Six years later, the back injury still exists, leaving Bob able to work only part-time.
Debbie has suffered multiple health issues, particularly an undiagnosed condition that affects her balance and makes it impossible for her to walk or even remain upright without assistance. Over the years, the Jordans’ home has been modified to accommodate Debbie’s situation, with a ramp attached to the front of the house for easy accessibility, and alterations completed in the bathroom to aide with bathing and grooming.
Since Bob’s accident, the Jordans have struggled. Due to his injury, Bob was able to collect temporary disability, but that has ended. He has reapplied; however, the approval process is long. Their small settlement from the accident, used to keep their heads above water to pay medical expenses and routine bills, has been depleted and the couple has fallen behind in the their house payments. They find themselves in need of about $3,500 to avoid foreclosure with nowhere to turn for help.
Enter two of Debbie’s friends, Michelle Speelman and Cheryl Kendrick-Hammond. Communicating with Debbie through the Internet, Kendrick-Hammond sensed something was wrong and finally coaxed Debbie into admitting the seriousness of her family’s situation.
Speelman and Kendrick-Hammond leaped into action, creating a Facebook page with the purpose of raising funds for the Jordans.
“Debbie has always had such strong faith no matter what has been thrown her way,” Speelman wrote on the Facebook page. “If they lose the house, there is nowhere for them to go.”
Even though the page is private and can be accessed by invitation only, donations from those who subscribed began to roll in. To date, the Jordans have received about $650 from individuals and businesses. The largest donation of $350 came from Storage Solutions in Presque Isle.
“We appreciate so much the generous donations we’ve received so far,” Debbie said, “but there is still a long way to go to reach $3,500.”
Speelman and Kendrick-Hammond have also obtained donations in the form of two valuable original paintings and a DVD and book written by an entertainment journalist, all of which will be raffled off. For every ten-dollar donation the Jordans receive, the donor’s name will be placed in a drawing for the prizes, which will take place at the end of the month.
The Jordans have considered the fact that if they do lose their home, there are other options such as living in an apartment. However, with Debbie’s mobility issues, their modified home is the perfect fit for them and leaving will be particularly difficult as they do not know if they will be able to find something as accommodating without extensive renovation. The couple also believes that once their financial condition is restored, they will be able to maintain their mortgage payments and the home; they simply need assistance getting through this difficult time.
“If people can help us, we want to pay it forward,” Debbie commented. “Once we are back on our feet, we want to be able to help others.”
A bank account exclusively for donations to the Jordans has been set up at Katahdin Trust Company in Caribou. Checks can be made payable to Robert E. Jordan and Deborah J. Jordan Fundraiser for Home and can be mailed directly to the bank. The address is Katahdin Trust Co., 105 Bennett Drive, Caribou, ME 04736.
