I’m a first time homeowner who purchased a perfect starter home for my little family. I️ moved in a month before hurricane harvey hit. I️ saved and spent almost everything I had to update and make my home livable. Fast forward to the hurricane, we lost everything. I was completely distraught and didn’t know what to do, or where to start.

I had my prayers answered when I was able to receive a disaster grant to contribute to the repairs needed. I felt like I took all steps needed to find a contractor to make the repairs on my home. It was the same contractor who made the repairs on my home for the seller when I bought my home. Little did I know, he would later scam me out of all my money I️ had to return home.

It started off great. I️ would stop by everyday to check on the work and make sure the workers were okay. Everything seemed to be going fine. As the weeks went on they stopped coming, and made excuses saying there family members were in the hospital etc. Of course I️ was understanding because I️ have a heart.

I️ later found the contractor texting and telling me that someone will be there to do such and such but never came. I’ve been calling just to make them go to my home and do work. I paid them to get all the supplies which included my flooring, doors, and cabinets, but I️ haven’t seen anything.

Fast forward to yesterday when he said he’d e there working that evening painting so they could install the flooring. I️ showed up the next morning to find no work done! And to top it off, some couple living in my garage fast asleep!! I️ called the police and they tell me that my contractor said it was okay.

Now his phone is disconnected, he hasn’t returned my emails, and I️ can’t get ahold of his assistant! I’m pregnant and have a toddler and thanks to him we’re basically homeless. I’m so upset I️ cannot think straight. I️ don’t know what to do at this point. I️ just moved here from my final duty station and don’t know anyone that could help guide me in the right direction.

I just don’t know why there’s people like that in this world that thinks it’s okay to prey on people in a time of need. It’s so hard to keep going when the light at the end of the tunnel keeps getting dimmer and dimmer.