Special needs family loses donated home

It may look like any of the other ramblers lining a street in the city of Ramsey.

But once you walk in the door -- you discover a home that fits its family, perfectly.

Two years ago, laughter filled that home after Larry and Barb Arends won a drawing -- giving them the brand new home. It was a gift of their dreams, especially because the home was built to accommodate the Arends three special needs children.

"They gave us freedom and the ability that we didn't even know we were missing out on," said Larry and Barb Arends, who finish each other's sentences when talking about their experience.

The home was equipped with wide hallways, wheelchair-accessible bathrooms and other modifications -- all changes that worked well for 7-year-old Jackson, who has Spina Bifida, 10-year-old Michael, who suffers from a traumatic brain injury and 24-year-old Ashley, who has Cerebral Palsey.

"This was going to be our last house. They were going to carry us out in a box when we died," Barb said.

But last month, Barb opened a letter from an attorney, saying the home was about to go into foreclosure. The Arends thought it was a mistake.

After several calls to the company that donated the home, the Arends learned the company hadn't actually paid for the house in full. And when the economy tanked, the company could not longer make the mortgage payments.

"I wish they would have talked to us about what was going on," Barb said.

KARE 11 tried contacting the president of Independent Luxury Homes. Patrick Schmeichel did not return our calls. The Arends say he told them he was filing for personal and corporate bankruptcy.

According to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, Schmeichel's contractor license has also expired.

As for the Arends, they plan to start looking for a new home that will work for their special family. They expect they'll need to leave their dream home by late November or early December.

But despite their situation today, the Arends haven't lost hope.

"We're trusting in God to provide for us and show us where we're going next. And the adventure will continue," Larry said.

By Karla Hult, KARE 11 News Read Karla's Blog

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