Several years ago, Mary Lee Ward, now 87, a former Bed-Stuy property owner, was the first senior to report to us her bouts with property scams, predatory lending and displacement.

This week, she sent us a photo which depicts the closing chapter of her long journey — which included a brief stay in an automobile — to find a safe place to live and call home.

Thanks to James Caldwell, President of the 77th Pct. Community Council, and several
officers there, an apartment was found this spring.

Caldwell says he “reached out to the Trump campaign” and he and Mrs. Caldwell were “invited as guests of the then-presidential candidate to the 3rd Presidential Debate”.

“No promises were made, but after the election was final, Ms. Maria Sicurelli, a Trump aide, adopted Ms. Ward as her mother.

“Finally, Ms. Ward was awarded a 1-bedroom apartment through Catholic Charities and moved in on June 2nd, 2017. Ms. Sicurelli’s husband sent a truck and 2 of his employees to move Ms. Ward into her new residence and Ms. Sicurelli took care of (Ms. Ward’s) financial responsibilities.”

Caldwell reports that others involved in bringing closure to Ms. Ward’s quest included: Ms. Diane Foster, Community Board 8; Ed Abbassi, Commanding Officer, 77th Pct.; Det. Robert Lynch, Core Services, 77th Pct. NCO Program; Community Affairs Officer Green (no relation to Our Time Press’ co-founder), Det. Pierre Louis and other members of the 77th Pct. Community Council.