Business Growth Strategy

A couple from Oxford County is in need of help from the community after their home sustained major damage from multiple car crashes.Herbert and Marilyn Stevens, of Hartford, had a car crash into their bathroom in January, leaving a gaping hole in the wall that is now covered with a tarp.”It moved this whole house,” Marilyn Stevens said. “So, we got up, and I went out and looked, and I just started crying.”Good thing nobody was in the shower. They wouldn’t be here, because they hit right in the shower,” she added.In October, another vehicle crashed into the corner of the couple’s home and damaged the living room.”The front tire hit that pole, broke the pole right off. The van flipped right up on its side and slammed into that building,” neighbor Roger Berry said of the October crash.Berry, who lives across the street from the couple, said he has seen three crashes happen at the corner of Route 140 and Route 219.”They’re going too fast. People plain going too fast,” Berry said.After receiving complaints, the Maine Department of Transportation installed flashing stop signs a couple of weeks ago to warn drivers of the intersection ahead. But that is too little, too late for Herbert and Marilyn Stevens.Herbert, 81, and Marilyn, 62, are now living in their kitchen. They have heat from a wood stove, but no running water.”It ain’t very comfortable ,” Herbert Stevens said. The couple does not have insurance. They said they have been battling with the insurance companies of the drivers who hit their home. They are also trying to find a lawyer, but they feel stuck, as they are unable to make repairs to their damaged house.”I’m already crying. I want to go, and I can’t,” Marilyn Stevens said. “It’s too cold for me.”Hartford town officials said they are aware of the couple’s situation, but admitted there are limited resources available.”I know we need help. We have nothing,” Marilyn Stevens said.Neighbors and town officials said they hope to organize a community supper so the couple can at least get some help.