ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WKBW) — Hans Eberlin, 94, built his Orchard Park home in 1950 when he returned from fighting in World War II. Now his family is struggling to find the money that pays for the 24 hour home care that allows him to stay there.
Eberlin and his daughter Marilyn Beckley sat on the living room couch, looking at photos of Eberlin in the war.
"We were here, and the Germans were there," said Eberlin.
That living room is part of the home Eberlin strategically built between his parent's home, and his late wife's parent's home.
"My grandfather and my father built it from scratch," Beckley said. "My father made the blueprints up also, and he still has the blueprints."
Over the years there have been some new additions, like drawings from Eberlin's great nieces and nephews, but also a wheelchair ramp out front as Eberlin's health declines.
Beckley said the funds to keep him in his home are starting to decline too.
"My father's money is starting to dwindle, we used his life savings to have the home healthcare aides come in," she said.
Beckley said it costs $2,100 a week to have the 24 hour home aide care that Eberlin requires. She estimates that right now they only have enough money to keep him in his home until Christmas. Otherwise they need to look at other options.
That's why the family turned to GoFundMe. Hoping the kindness of strangers will help them reach their goal of $42,000. Raising money not for change, but for things to stay as they have for nearly the past 70 years.
"He wants to die in his home that he built," Beckley said.
