A Santa Fe woman says even though she owns her home, red tape from the insurance company is keeping her out and her family has nowhere to stay.
Alma Vigil worked her whole life for the state government and even in retirement, still works full time at a hospital. But her hard work went up in flames during a house fire and now she is just looking for a place to lay her head.
Her small Santa Fe residence represents much of what Vigil worked for her entire life. It is where she took care of her extended family of six, including her own mom and two young grandchildren.
But she was not prepared for what life threw at her the night of Jan. 2. A small fire started near the water heater, then burned through the floor and into her living room.
Christmas presents were ruined and part of the floor and wall were destroyed.
"The worst part is we can't live here--all the utilities were shut off that night," Vigil said.
Her home wasn't destroyed, but it is unlivable until repairs are made. Red Cross put her up at a motel, but that ran out Thursday night.
Vigil does have insurance, but all the red tape means it could take a while to ger her home fixed. She says the insurance company is delaying estimates for repairs.
"I haven't heard from the insurance as far as cost, prices, what contractor to go with," she said.
Vigil said finding a place to rent until repairs are done is not easy with a family of six.
"They want first and last month's rent, plus deposit. And I just don't have that kind of money together," she said.
Vigil said she didn't realize how good she had it until a fire took it all away.
"It's hard when you don't have a home. We have a home, but we can't live in it," she said.
Vigil is hoping someone can help her deal with her insurance company or help her fix her home so she can get back to taking care of the ones she loves.
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