ST. CHARLES — A disabled veteran tells Five on Your Side he was cheated by a contractor, leaving the St. Charles man nearly homeless. Now, the city and others are stepping up to help.
Kenny Holtz's house is in bad shape. No walls, no toilets, light fixtures aren't set up and there's a hole in the floor.
He's lived in it like this since October when a contractor did this after taking thousands of dollars.
Between money he says he paid a contractor and materials, the Vietnam Veteran is out about $17,000.
It started last August. Holtz hired the contractor for a complete redo of his mobile home. The whole place was to be gutted, repaired and remodeled. But after the contractor had the money, "by October he wouldn't stay in contact with me anymore."
With the job abandoned, the disabled veteran lived with no electricity or running water.
The City of St. Charles found out and, along with the community group "St. Charles Neighborhood Preservation Partnership", assembled local companies to help.
"I was just shocked that anybody would ever leave a disabled veteran in that situation," said Tim Branham. His company, Branham Electric will fix the electrical issues.
Karsten Plumbing has already donated work and materials and others are stepping up too.
"Veterans have really gotten the short end of things over the last eight-or-10 years and we don't feel that we can do enough for them," said Branham.
Help that keeps Holtz hopeful.
"It's by the grace of God and my faith in God that the rest of this work will get done," he said.
Holtz is currently staying with a neighbor until his home is livable. Those helping Holtz are asking for more assistance from anyone willing to give it. Those who can provide painting and other items should contact Anita Telkamp at 636-949-3224 or Tim Branham at 314-258-1602.
