N4N: Without Help, Miami Family's Home Faces Demolition

MIAMI (CBS4) - A local family faces a housing crisis after the county condemned their home, now Neighbors 4 Neighbors is hoping you can help.

A home is plagued by a leaky roof, is full of broken windows, and is covered in mold and mildew. It's been a long time since Cecile Nelson's house felt like a home.

"We have fear, because it may fall we don't want anybody to visit us, fear and shame," Nelson explained to CBS4's Nicole Maristany.

The Nelson's situation is a tough one, Nelson lives with diabetes and has three children – one with special needs. Her 14 year old daughter dances and has a promising future.

"She deserves so much better, she says of her daughter.

It started with termites, and then damage from Hurricane Wilma a few years ago. Living with limited resources and income, Nelson's home literally collapsed around her.

"Always afraid this is gonna fall here, only God is holding it up," said Nelson.

Her home was the next on the list to be rebuilt by Habitat for Humanity, but the family's advocate tells us the organization says they have no hope that the City of Miami will renew their contract.

Now the county has ordered the home to be demolished.

"It's a terrifying thought," Nelson said, looking longingly across the yard at her dilapidated home.

It's especially terrifying because Nelson's paid her mortgage every month for the last twenty-two years and without help to rebuild, she and her family may have nowhere to go because they can't afford the repairs.

"If it was just the mortgage, I would be able to live here," said Nelson.

The home is set for demolition in less than a week, and then she'll begin the process of either rebuilding or searching for a place to stay. If you can help, give Neighbors 4 Neighbors a call at 305-597-4404 or visit www.neighbors4neighbors.org .