BAKERSFIELD, CA -- Senator Andy Vidak is asking the community to join him in helping an elderly east Bakersfield man get back into his home and back on his feet. Herbert Jackson was kicked out of house, six years after it was heavily damaged by fire.
Herbert Jackson, 85, doesn't like to draw too much attention, but he welcomes the assistance of his community leaders. He says he enjoys sleeping on a cot outside of his house, but he'd like to see his long-time home get back up to code.
"This is home, I can sleep out here or in the front or in the back or anywhere I want to."
Herbert Jackson has lived in his home on Monticello Avenue since 1950 when he bought it for $6,000.
"I was going to live here until I die because, I mean, I'm 85 years old I don't feel like I got a whole lot longer to be here," Jackson said.
A fire in September 2008 heavily damaged Jackson's home. But it wasn't until two weeks ago, Kern County Code Compliance deemed it unsafe to live in.
With nowhere else to go, Jackson moved into the front yard.
Now, Senator Andy Vidak has taken it upon himself to lend a helping hand.
"We're here to make sure that he gets back into his home and to let him know help is here, help is finally here," said Michael Bowers, senior field director for Andy Vidak.
And now with the help of community leaders, volunteer contractors, plumbers, and electricians, Jackson should be surrounded by four walls soon.
"Once again Kern County has stepped in and looked out for the best interest of their neighbors," Bowers said.
Senator Vidak's office will begin work on Monday.
If you would like to help Mr. Jackson, you can contact Blodgie Rodriguez at 319-2763.
A GoFundMe account to raise money for Mr. Jackson has been floating around the Internet, however, Mr. Jackson says he was not aware of this account does not know the person who started it.
17 News reached out to the person in charge of the account but did not get a response. So until we know more, it would be a good idea not to send money to this account.
Herbert Jackson, 85, doesn't like to draw too much attention, but he welcomes the assistance of his community leaders. He says he enjoys sleeping on a cot outside of his house, but he'd like to see his long-time home get back up to code.
"This is home, I can sleep out here or in the front or in the back or anywhere I want to."
Herbert Jackson has lived in his home on Monticello Avenue since 1950 when he bought it for $6,000.
"I was going to live here until I die because, I mean, I'm 85 years old I don't feel like I got a whole lot longer to be here," Jackson said.
A fire in September 2008 heavily damaged Jackson's home. But it wasn't until two weeks ago, Kern County Code Compliance deemed it unsafe to live in.
With nowhere else to go, Jackson moved into the front yard.
Now, Senator Andy Vidak has taken it upon himself to lend a helping hand.
"We're here to make sure that he gets back into his home and to let him know help is here, help is finally here," said Michael Bowers, senior field director for Andy Vidak.
And now with the help of community leaders, volunteer contractors, plumbers, and electricians, Jackson should be surrounded by four walls soon.
"Once again Kern County has stepped in and looked out for the best interest of their neighbors," Bowers said.
Senator Vidak's office will begin work on Monday.
If you would like to help Mr. Jackson, you can contact Blodgie Rodriguez at 319-2763.
A GoFundMe account to raise money for Mr. Jackson has been floating around the Internet, however, Mr. Jackson says he was not aware of this account does not know the person who started it.
17 News reached out to the person in charge of the account but did not get a response. So until we know more, it would be a good idea not to send money to this account.