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A South Pasadena couple didn’t like that sinking feeling the night they saw their driveway, well, in word, sinking.
When it sank an estimated four feet last month, Bob Lynes and Barbara Watkins were told by authorities they likely wouldn’t be permitted to move back into the South Pasadena home in the 1800 block of Hanscom Drive for at least two months.
The culprit was a broken water pipe below the driveway entrance, causing it to breakaway from the street. South Pasadena Fire Department officials promptly red tagged the property after placing caution tape along the front with the word “DANGER” inscribed, warning the public to stay out following the March 12 incident.
While the couple has stayed with friends in Pasadena and is hopeful of finding temporary affordable housing soon, the South Pasadena Senior Center has sought the assistance of others to provide the pair with some financial support.
Liliana Torres, the South Pasadena Senior Center’s community services supervisor, organized a fundraising effort, asking its 250 members to help chip in and make life easier for their fellow senior citizens.
Lynes and Watkins are frequent visitors to the Senior Center.
To date, the campaign has brought in about $800, say South Pasadena officials, along with gift cards from local stores.
Taking it a step further, Torres and her staff are working to find the couple a place of their own as the couple continues to navigate through the insurance claim process before major repairs at the residence begin.
In addition, South Pasadena City Hall officials have also launched a fundraising campaign to help support the couple.
Donations from the public are welcome. To help, simply call Torres at (626) 403-7360.
