Help Me Howard
Coverage of Help Me Howard in the Nexus archive.
- Daughter fights to get late father’s security deposit back
After Lawrence Mackey died, his daughter Twyla Davis struggled to retrieve his $1,422 security deposit from the apartment complex. Although she repeatedly had to visit probate court to establish her rights, Twyla persisted until the property management company finally issued a check payable directly to her name.
- Man loses so much weight employer doesn’t recognize him
A South Florida driver named Sergio Lavya lost nearly 200 pounds after changing his lifestyle and undergoing surgery. When he attempted to get back on a ride-share platform, the company didn't recognize him physically and permanently banned his account. After appealing through Help Me Howard, the case was escalated, leading the company to confirm his identity and reactivate his working account.
- Blind South Florida man facing homelessness
Greg Pringle, a legally blind man in South Florida, faced potential homelessness when his new apartment fell through due to unpaid fees by his landlord's HOA. He was eventually helped by organizations including Help Me Howard and The Homeless Voice, which provided him with funds to extend his temporary stay and ultimately secure a new apartment in Pompano Beach.
- Woman says she was trapped in her home for months due to broken elevator
A woman who uses a wheelchair reported feeling trapped on her seventh-floor condo after the elevator was out of service since last fall. She stated that leaving required calling the fire department, causing significant isolation and loss of holidays. After advocacy regarding potential violations of the Federal Fair Housing Act, the elevator was finally repaired.
- South Florida singer belting the blues
South Florida singer Felicia Alnor was owed over a thousand dollars by an assisted living facility where she performs. After dealing with constant excuses from the venue, she sought help through Help Me Howard with Brandon Beyer. Following guidance on small claims court, she eventually recovered $900 and received a promise for the remaining amount.
- South Florida family waits months for repairs after lawn company breaks sliding glass door
A South Florida family waited six months for repairs after a lawn company damaged their sliding glass door with a weed eater. The company initially agreed to fix the door but failed to follow through, prompting the family to seek help from 'Help Me Howard.' After persistent efforts, the repair was completed, resolving the months-long inconvenience.
- Woman charged for entire minibar
Tammy Morley and her friends were charged $626.59 for an entire hotel minibar they didn't use after a reggae concert in Miami. They contacted Help Me Howard, leading the hotel to issue a full refund and a free night stay.
- 5 years later — South Florida couple finally have solar
Bill and Mary Garrett spent $65,000 on solar panels for their South Florida home, but the hired company abandoned the project, leading to city fines. After five years, a new contractor completed the installation and resolved the penalties.
- South Florida food truck owner says unpaid city invoice is hurting small business
Gregory George, a South Florida food truck owner, faced financial difficulties after a city delayed payment for a $2,200 job at a Cinco de Mayo event. After 51 days, the city paid following intervention by Help Me Howard, allowing him to stabilize his business.
- Rare hockey cards ordered but never showed
A South Florida man, Tyler, spent $9,330 on rare hockey cards through a third-party company, but the order never arrived. After a dispute, he received a $6,000 credit card refund but struggled to recover $3,400 from the third party. The company later agreed to refund the remaining amount following intervention by Howard Finkelstein.
- Cancer patient’s dream trip
A South Florida couple saved hotel rewards points for decades to travel to Paris, but the husband's cancer diagnosis forced cancellation, resulting in lost points. After advocacy by Howard Finkelstein, the hotel returned the points following a one-time exception due to the husband's medical situation.
- Woman left blind after attack receives new furniture
Reva Haughton, who became blind after a battery acid attack in Jamaica 26 years ago, received new furniture and a computer from City Home through Help Me Howard. The initiative provided her with a new home setup, including a love seat and storage, after 20 years in her apartment. Haughton expressed gratitude for the support, highlighting the community's assistance in improving her living conditions.
- Pet sitter’s customers doesn’t want to pay bill over leaky toilet
A South Florida pet sitter, Kara Hazelton, provided care for two dogs over six nights but was refused payment by the owners due to a leaky toilet she attempted to address. After media intervention, the owners paid $300, though less than the full amount Hazelton claimed she was owed.
- South Florida woman who lost vision after battery acid attack needs furniture
Reva Haughton, a Jamaica-born woman blinded by a battery acid attack 26 years ago, now lives in South Florida. After reaching out to Help Me Howard, she is receiving new furniture from City Home to update her Miami Gardens apartment.
- Marine business scammed
A South Florida marine business owner, Mark Mitchell, was scammed out of $71,000 through a fraudulent email mimicking a vendor. He recovered $51,000 with the help of a support program and banks, but still lost nearly $20,000.
- Woman buys condo, battles special assessments
Laura Bustamante, a South Florida woman, purchased a waterfront condominium but faced ongoing financial stress after discovering she would be responsible for future special assessments totaling $53,800 over 13 years, despite having prepaid an initial assessment. The condo association clarified that her prepayment would be applied to future maintenance fees, but this did not align with her expectations, leading to significant personal distress.