A woman and her six children will be forced from their home in suburban Calumet City because mold was found in the building. One of the children is very ill and needs kidney dialysis. But because the child is so sick, the family is being turned away by local shelters.

On Tuesday afternoon, Calumet City inspectors placed a notice on a home at 956 Gulf Court, saying the home is uninhabitable because of the mold that exists throughout the house.

They ordered the family renting the house to move out.

Charrise sparks and her six children, ranging in age from 5 to 18, have been living in the house for close to a year.
Sparks says her children have routinely gotten sick with high fevers because of the mold in every room that is growing on the walls and under the carpet and taking over the house.

"The mold is unbearable and is just growing and growing," she said.

Sparks' son Samuel said the mold is the result of flooding. He said they have had five floods in the last year. And mold has destroyed their computers, clothes, coats and family goods.

The landlord will not help us, nor (will) Calumet City," said Samuel.

"I have been calling for help since June and no one has helped me. The landlord has rejected me, not returning my calls. He said just get out," Charrise Sparks said.

She said she is concerned for her 14-year-old daughter, Charryl, who is on dialysis four times a week and also suffers from diabetes, hypertension and heart problems.

She said officials suggested she find a shelter. But no shelter will take her daughter because of the health risks.
Several city departments, including the mayor's office, all said this is not their problem, it is between the landlord and Mrs. Sparks. The city did fine the landlord $1,500 for not following city code.

"I am going to be on the street because I do not have anywhere to go. It is unexplainable that she has to go out and be put on the street because of a landlord's problem and no one can help me in the city of Calumet," said Charrise Sparks.

Samuel said medicine and equipment for his sister has been destroyed from the mold. Meanwhile, the children fear being put out in the street Tuesday evening.

"I am a little tired because I have a cold from breathing this stuff. It is scary that we will have no place to live. I want to be in a house that is comfortable," said Charryl.

As of 6 p.m. Tuesday, Charisse Sparks and her children were still in their home waiting to learn if they will get any assistance.
 
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=local&id=5747085

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