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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Holiday Guide Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend December 7, 2006 Man's trailer is hazardous to his health By SARAH LEMON Mail Tribune EDITOR'S NOTE: "Light One Candle" is an annual Mail Tribune feature that focuses on the single need of an individual, family or agency during the holidays. Seeping sewage and black mold infest a wheelchair-bound man's Medford trailer home. Such hazardous living conditions shocked the 50-year-old man's caregivers and caseworkers, along with a repairman who urged him to move out immediately. "You can smell the mold," said Lindy Boyersmith, nurse with an Oregon Health Plan support program. "It's a place that you would really rather not go into." Surviving on about $600 in monthly social security payments, the man thought he was improving his living situation when he bought the used fifth-wheel several months ago. In fact, the same repairman who recently evaluated its problems free of charge had told the previous owner to scrap the vehicle and not to sell it to anyone. Advertisement "It has gotten extensively worse," said Travis Berry, who owns his Central Point recreational-vehicle repair business. "Nobody should be living in it." The disabled man is now faced with waiting for local housing assistance while the mold aggravates his asthma. Moving into a shelter or shared living situation would disqualify the man — who also suffers from diabetes and a rare bone disorder — from receiving his caregiving services, Boyersmith said. The man also has gone without a promised wheelchair ramp because a local service club has deemed his residence in such poor condition. Exhausting other avenues, Boyersmith is hoping someone in the community can donate a new or used mobile home or trailer that would be of suitable size for permanent occupancy. To make a donation or for more information, call Boyersmith at 210-1407. Reach reporter Sarah Lemon at 776-4487, or e-mail [email protected] . Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Men's Clothing Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Discount Hotel Reservations Send Flowers Casinos Canada Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Trunks, Footlocker Online poker at AbsolutePoker.com