An SOS Regarding Housing..This Has Become a Nightmare

I've got to admit - I'm ashamed, humiliated and embarrassed by today's post. My residence, a 1990 Destiny doublewide manufactured home,
is becoming uninhabitable and these pictures aren't pretty.

In 1989, when I was shopping for my first home, I chose a Homes of Merit model that cost about $31,000. The now-defunct dealer couldn't, or wouldn't finance it, although I had a $10k down payment available. I had to settle for a Destiny, for which I ultimately paid about the same after taxes and interest. I wish I hadn't.

Even though I earned only a tad over minimum wage for years, this home is paid for. There's no mortgage. I paid it off in 12 years.

Today I ended up writing to Homes of Merit directly, sharing this story with them and asking for their help. I feel that my family's safety is at risk in our present home.

Before I begin to tell you what you see in the pictures, please note that:

a. There is no power now at the electric outlets you see. They've been disconnected from the power supply.

b. Likewise, the laundry equipment is not in use and is disconnected

Unlike the radio stations, I am not proud to show you this particular tour!!

Starting at the top:

Pic 1 - What's left of the dryer vent. The skirting was defective, got termites, and had to be removed within the first two years.

Pic 2 - Insulation lies on the ground, torn out by a neighbor's dog. It has fallen out in other places. Our electric bill has skyrocketed to over $450 a month. My monthly pay is $623. Something needs to give..

Pic 3 - Signs of a ceiling leak in the hall bath. This area was roof-coated twice last year and the entire roof given a going over, but.. Hurricane Frances blew off some of the shingles.

Pic 4 - A tree fell into the house following a storm, resulting in a huge dent in the front. Also rotten siding which was recalled..the settlement was about a third of what the siding company in Tallahassee would charge to redo the house. So we couldn't afford to do it.

Pic 5 - Power's turned off to this exterior outlet. We don't use it!!

Pic 6 - Likewise, no power at this outlet in the living room which is one of several that look like this. I also have furniture placed in front of these to keep everyone away. I moved a shelf out to take this pic.

Pic 7 - No the load's not unbalanced, the floor is! Only a beam underneath keeps the washer and dryer from falling through. I have to do laundry at a neighboring residence and have not used our equipment for several months now.

Pic 8 - Oops, another doorknob crumbled and fell out - this is the master bath, which is totally unusable. I take my daily shower outside, in the front yard, under the garden hose. Not too bad now, but in the winter..yikes!

Pic 9 - This is the master bath floor, starting to fall in

I didn't take a picture, but the gas company says the furnace is rusting out and I shouldn't use it this winter.

I've written directly to Homes of Merit for emergency assistance. Both my wife and I are college graduates, yet I've had to retire on disability and she's seeking a better-paying job in line with her degree. I'll be doing preschoool learning with grandsons Benjamin and Daniel for at least the next year, which will pay me a little.

I'm really at a loss about having to replace this house. I welcome your suggestions, so please feel free to leave me a comment below. Thanks!