Golden Gate family homeless after tree falls on roof

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COLLIER COUNTY, Fla.- A Golden Gate family has returned home to gather their belongings after a tree fell on their roof.

The tree toppled over on top of the house during a strong storm. The family is now forced to find a new place to stay.

“If it wasn’t for this, this catastrophe, we’d still would be living here,” said John Fowler.

Fowler’s home of eight years was destroyed within minutes Monday afternoon.

“I’m hurt inside because I promised my wife we would never be without a place to live and now we are.”

Inside the home, the ceiling has completely come off and debris covers the floor.

Since they can’t live in the house, Fowler asked his landlord for his money back.

“He told me give him a forwarding address and he would send me my deposit back and when I asked him about the rent we paid this month, ‘well I don’t know what I can do about that.'”

WINK News spoke with Fowler’s landlord who says he has other properties in the area but none that are vacant. He says he will probably work something out with the family to give them some rent money back.

“I just think he should help us instead of leaving us stranded,” said Fowler.

The Red Cross has put the family in a motel until Thursday. If you’d like to help, contact Pastor Rick Baldwin at the Golden Gate Assembly of God by phone 239-455-7051 or email naplesggag@aol.com.

You can also contact John Fowler at 954-394-0980.

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