NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla. -- A disabled North Fort Myers woman is struggling to find assistance after being evicted from her home.
The eviction happened in late December, after 9 people were arrested during a drug bust on Cypress Street. Although Eloise Gierke said she was not arrested or involved with the drug activity, she was evicted along with dozens of others on the street after properties were bought by a new owner. Those homes are now boarded up and uninhabitable. "There was a lot of drugs going on there, but I didn't stick my nose in other people's business," she said.
Gierke has now resorted to living with no electricity or running water, in a 4 by 4 sliver of space inside an abandoned drug house. The space is full of trash, and frequented by drug users.
At the same time, Gierke is dealing with medical conditions that limit her mobility. "She defecates and urinates in herself daily because she has no facilities," said one neighbor.
A neighbor who wished to remain anonymous is helping Grieke. She fears of she continues living in the unsafe conditions, she will end up in the hospital. "I come bring her breakfast, and coffee and lunch and dinner," she said. "I've called DCF, I've called Unites Way."
4 In Your Corner also called United Way. They said they will send someone to Grieke to assess her situation, but are not sure when. "I want to get out of here. I want help," she said.
The owner of the home said he is the one who allows Grieke to stay there. He claims he does not have the income to turn on utilities.
