Nancy and Jose Luis Colina purchased this new home at 2820 22nd Ave SE in 2004 and discovered severe roof damage and mold less than one month after they moved in. The couple has spent four years trying to recover some $35,000 they spent repairing their brand new home to make it inhabitable
Nancy Colina, 48, holds the book of photographs she has kept to prove just how bad the damage was in her new home. The Colinas spent a month living in a trailer behind their home while they paid for repairs to make it inhabitable. "I've drained every resource I can think of to get some kind of help," she said. Jennifer Whitney/ staff
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Nancy Colina has spent four years trying to recover the money she and her husband, Jose Luis Colina, spent to repair their new home and make it inhabitable. The bulk of the damage was in the roof above her entry way and the bedroom that adjoins it which originally belonged to her elderly mother. "I've basically just been pushed back and forth like a ping pong ball," she said. "Nobody gives you a straight answer." Initially the Colinas hoped to recover the money through the Florida Homeowners Construction Recovery Fund, but were told they were not eligible since the county inspected the home and issued a certificate of occupancy. Jennifer Whitney/ staff Jennifer Whitney/ staff
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Nancy Colina, 48, holds a photograph showing the damage to the roof above her entry way at 2820 22 Ave SE. Jennifer Whitney/ staff
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On Monday, July 28, in front of their home, Nancy and Jose Luis Colina reflect on what they've been through. "Being a victim is not easy," said Nancy. "I've spent too much time. Not one minute goes by where I don't wonder if I'm gonna get a reply. Its been too much time not to get an answer." Jennifer Whitney/ staff
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