Grandmother Of Handicapped Child May Lose Home
FORT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – For 19 years, Margaret Dykes has dedicated her life to caring for her severely handicapped grandson. But now, Dyke and grandson Julius may be out on the street due to local budget cuts.
"I got you! I got you baby," Dykes said to Julius while softly brushing her hand on his cheek.
The two have been together since the day he was born and also the day his mother Lisa was murdered in January 1993.
"He raped and stabbed my eight-months pregnant daughter 18 times," Dykes recalled. "She lived for 19 and a half days. They left Julius in her for two and a half days, so because he had all that oxygen he lost, he ended up the way he is."
Dykes had a home, but lost it in 2004. She cares for Julius 24/7, so she can't work. Since 2004, she's been getting housing assistance from Broward County. But, as local budgets shrink, the money will run out in May.
"We're at the point to where no we just can't continue," said Pat West from the Broward County Human Services Department.
The program is for temporary assistance and after eight years, they can no longer give Dykes assistance. They've been trying to find another program to help her, but haven't been able to find one yet.
Margaret was told there could be more money available if she puts Julius into a nursing home, but she refused.
"If they try to take him, I'll run with him on my back," Margaret said. "I'll strap him on my back and I'll run until I can't run no more; until both of fall down and leave this world. Nobody's getting Julius from me. NOBODY!"
With less than two months to go, Margaret and Julius are praying someone will come forward to help.
"I'm hoping to find a place where I don't ever have to move again," Dykes said. "I'm hoping that God would smile on somebody's heart who can afford it and say, let me put that woman and child in home!"
Dyke's assistance runs out May 17.
Neighbors 4 Neighbors has stepped in and is collecting donations for Margaret and Julius. If you'd like to contribute, click here.
