The family of William Towns, a 76-year-old man with dementia, is fighting to reclaim his Colorado Springs home after squatters allegedly took control. Towns initially invited a homeless woman into his home to help with chores, but she soon moved her boyfriend, son, and belongings into the house. Now, Towns and his family say they are facing an uphill legal battle to get the squatters out.
The family claims that the squatters have started a mushroom-growing operation in the living room and engage in underage drug use. “They’ve turned our dad’s home into their own space,” the family wrote on a GoFundMe page to raise funds for legal fees. Towns, who has lived in the home with his wife for 50 years, now feels unsafe.
Law enforcement has been contacted, but the police have informed the family that because the squatters were invited into the home, they cannot be removed without a court-ordered eviction. This process could take several months, and the legal costs are steep. The family estimates they will need at least $1,800 for an attorney’s retainer and several hundred dollars per hour in fees.
Towns’ daughters are frustrated by the situation, feeling that the legal system is not protecting their father. “We’re stuck watching our dad live in fear in his own home,” they said.
The family hopes that by raising awareness and funds, they can finally regain control of the home and provide Towns with a sense of safety and security once again.