Foreclosure Freak Show?
There has been a much publicized Schaumburg foreclosure in our area from a gentlemen who has lived in his home for many years and is definitely down & out. He's been on every local TV station, front page of the local papers and become quite the 'foreclosure celebrity'.
Obviously being in real estate, I know what is happening to him between foreclosure proceedings and the village trying to get him to clean up his property. I live in a very aggressive village where 'no nonsense' is legally dished out all the time. No compliance, see ya' in court. Most homeowners can't fight the big guns the village brings to the court room. This is the same case. 
The village has been trying for years to get him to clean up his property but the owner contends that he needs all the collected materials to 'recycle' and get money. If you can remember the Redd Foxx Show and Fred Sanford, there you have it.
The homeowner was then locked out of the home by the lender for nonpayment of his mortgage of which he is 2 years behind. He then began to live in his car, with his dog, on his driveway. The neighbors are freaking out because he just seems to get dressed and undressed behind the car in the driveway at all hours of the day. On top of all this odd behavior, he cannot afford his bi-polar medication that he needs.
My neighbors and friends at the dog park always ask me questions about 'how this can be happening' and the different legal options or procedures available both to the owner and to the village. Then I overheard some of their comments when they were discussing it, they were driving by the house to check it out! Check out what? Checking to see an obviously mentally diminished man living in his car with his dog?
While you are driving by and looking, did you happen to bring him $5 for his medication? Did you happen to bring by any food for his dog that's living in the front seat of his car?
You're just curious and looking at the Foreclosure Freak Show? I'm not sure what you are curious about? I am so confused by this behavior from people that I can't even describe it here.
Why not try to help? If you can't help, don't drive by if you won't.
Often times the media runs with a story and never gets the full picture. It is sad that some one can manipulate us in this way and get attention far moe than they deserve
That is a shame, hopfully he gets the help he needs. you would think some sort of social services would be able to help.
Lyn, the people are curiou and scared at the same time. I am willing to bet that the same people taht are saying someone should help are the ones driving by gawking.
Scott: They are trying to help and I think that he is refusing most of it. He decided to be his own attorney in court & that didn't work out well for him. I think being on his medication would help tremendously.
Charlie: At this point it's hard to see who is manipulating who? I don't think the village thought that the media would get involved & I think they backed down tremendously because of it.
Bill: Good point about being scared. I can honestly say I am not curious about homeless people in that regard. They are not an 'oddity' to be stared at. They need help. However you feel about the situation, I'm sure you can't argue that they need help.
Lyn, it is so true that people love to look and gossip. How about doing good?
Lyn - I guess some people have nothing better to do then look at people who are most likely at the lowest point of their life.
Ellen & Michelle: I guess so, it's sad.
I share your compassion for this poor man and congratulate you for helping others see his side as well as trying to give him a hand!
Yikes. I agree, help the guy out or butt out. He's not a reality show, he's reality.