Mom and ten kids evicted

by homeowner's association

Article Courtesy of WBBH-TV—Ft. Myers, FL
Published April 25, 2006

COLLIER COUNTY: After Kerren Laitaille’s house burned to the ground last month she lost everything she owned. She and her ten children thought they were finally starting to get their feet back under them when they found a three bedroom home to rent. But she just received a letter in the mail stating that she had to be out of the house by the end of the month.

Laitaille admitted she was surprised that anyone would rent to her simply because of her 10 children.

Lydia Valdez rented a three bedroom home to her after she met her 10 children and realized how well-behaved they were.

"I said to myself who in their right mind is going to rent a home to a woman with ten kids and I knew the answer was nobody and I knew I couldn't pass the buck," said Valdez.

The family moved in to the home but within two weeks she heard from the Queen's Park Homeowner's Association.

"He told me, ‘Well Kerren, I feel that this area is not fit for you and your family to live in,’" said Laitaille.

On April 21 Laitaille received a letter from the homeowner's association's attorneys telling her she has until April 30 to move out. That gave her nine days to find a new place for her and her ten children to live.

"On April 30, where am I going? To the street. I have nowhere to go, nowhere," said Laitaille.

According to Queen's Park rules, only two people are allowed per bedroom. But both Laitaille and her landlord believe the eviction is not only about her children.

"I know they don't want me here because of my race," said Laitaille.

Valdez agrees.

"She's a decent individual you know, I can't see why we can't see beyond color," said Valdez

With only six days left, Laitaille fears she won't find a place in time.

"Only thing I can do right now is leave everything in the lord's hand. That's it, that's all I can do," said Laitaille.

We contacted the homeowner's association. Their lawyer reiterated what the letter said. Laitaille is breaking the association’s rules.

Both Laitaille and Valdez are looking at getting attorneys for themselves.