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Philadelphia Region Local News

Local 'Angel' Helps Fund Family's New Home

PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―

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Earlier this month, we told you about a woman who was facing homelessness because caring for her paraplegic son left her destitute. Now, we're happy to report she's found an angel in Philadelphia. CBS 3's Stephanie Abrams was there as she walked into her new home.

Beverly Sims walked into her new house in Fishtown and covered her mouth in awe. Her eyes welled up with tears as she and her son Fernell took a tour of their new kitchen, living room, and bedrooms.

Her old home went into foreclosure when she ran out of money caring for her other son, 22 year old Eugene. A shooting turned him into a paraplegic. He died four months ago, and with no money left, Beverly and Fernell faced homelessness.

Because she had no money for heat, she had to layer up her clothes as she depended on the warmth of a boiling pot of water in the kitchen.

When she told her story to CBS 3 someone special was watching. Her name is Marie Bontigao. She owns EXIT REALTY, and decided to save Beverly and her son from the streets by offsetting the costs of this rental. The home is also furnished and decorated with the help of several volunteers and donations. The Sims call Marie their angel.

Beverly told us, "It feels like a brand new world to me right now because I feel peace." Her son Fernell says it gives him a whole new start. They both said Eugene wished things would be better for them, and they believe he's smiling down at them, as he watches his five year old daughter put the star on their new Christmas tree as they begin to celebrate the holidays in a warm home.

The Sims will be able to stay in their new Fishtown home until they can afford to buy their own home. Bontigao says her company will make sure they get help, every step of the way.

If you want more information about EXIT REALTY "The Waterfront Group" you can go to their website: http://www.exitwaterfrontgroup.com/.

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