Latest news with #HelpingHands
BBC News
22-05-2025
- BBC News
Helping Hands Bradford director charged after fraud investigation
The director of a Bradford support group has been charged with Hands, based in Bierley, describes itself as "primarily a food bank", which also offers white goods, furniture, toiletries, cleaning supplies and baby Tempest, 39, of Fallowfield Drive, Bradford, has been charged with fraud by abuse of position, West Yorkshire Police force said she was due to appear before magistrates in the city at a later date. A police spokesperson said: "Police investigating reports of potentially fraudulent activity at a Bradford based online charitable group, Helping Hands, have charged a woman."Officers would like to remind people that criminal proceedings are now active and people should refrain from speculation that could impact those proceedings." Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Arizona's AG issues warning over ‘equity-stripping' scam that tricks victims into signing over their home
It started with a promise of help. It ended with hundreds, possibly thousands, of Arizonans losing not just their homes, but the very foundation of their lives. For nearly a decade, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes says a criminal enterprise has been preying on vulnerable homeowners, using high-pressure tactics and legal loopholes to rob them of the equity they had spent a lifetime building. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) 'Here comes a company with a very nice sounding name, or a 'nonprofit,' that says 'we will help you and all you have to do is sign here,'' Mayes told Arizona's Family News. But what these homeowners were actually signing, Mayes says, was their future away. For one victim, the betrayal was both financial and deeply personal. 'This was never supposed to happen,' Claire Bataille told Arizona's Family, 'I just never thought I would leave.' She bought her home in 2004. A couple of years ago, financial hardships pushed her into foreclosure. Then came a man named Cameron Jones, claiming he was with a group called Arizona's Helping Hands. 'I thought he was such a wonderful person at the time,' Bataille said. 'It was only a loan.' But the loan turned out to be a trap. Suddenly, she had an online court date and was being evicted. 'He's taken far more than my home, my memories, my heart,' she says. According to Mayes, the scam, called equity stripping, involves convincing distressed homeowners to unknowingly sign over the deeds to their homes, often in exchange for as little as $5,000 or $10,000. Meanwhile, the true value of the properties could be anywhere from $500,000 to $800,000, or more. 'They are literally stealing people's homes,' she said. 'Sometimes even with the mortgage getting paid off, they could be getting $300,000 or $200,000 and the scammers are not telling them that.' Mayes has filed a sweeping civil lawsuit against 70 defendants for consumer fraud and racketeering, alleging that Cameron Jones and Samuel Sutton led a sophisticated network involving title companies, attorneys and so-called nonprofits. 'We don't know exactly how many [homes are involved], but it is at least hundreds of houses in this case alone,' she said. 'But we also estimate that this fraud has grown and metastasized so badly throughout Arizona, that there could be tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of homeowners who are the victims of this kind of fraud by other bad actors.' Carolyn Singer came terrifyingly close to losing her home due to a paperwork glitch on her reverse mortgage. That's when Jones and his team stepped in. 'He said he could help get it out of foreclosure,' Singer told Arizona's Family reporters. 'Of course, he wanted me to sign some papers. He covered up the top part so I didn't see what it was. But I thought it was paperwork to keep it out of foreclosure.' Thankfully, someone from the real estate world intervened just in time. Carolyn was able to remain in her home. But not everyone who's had dealings with Jones and Sutton managed to keep their homes. About 30 homes involved in the lawsuit may still be recoverable, but the rest have already been sold or flipped on the open market. When asked for comment, Cameron Jones did not respond to inquiries from Arizona's Family. Samuel Sutton referred the news channel to his attorney, who declined an interview. Read more: You're probably already overpaying for this 1 'must-have' expense — and thanks to Trump's tariffs, your monthly bill could soar even higher. Here's how 2 minutes can protect your wallet right now Homeowners who are facing foreclosure need to be vigilant and here's how: Be wary of unsolicited offers to 'save' your home. Beware of any up-front fees. The Federal Trade Commission notes that, under the Mortgage Assistance Relief Services (MARS) rules, it's illegal for a homeowner to be charged any money until they've accepted a written offer for loan relief from their lender. Watch out for high-pressure tactics to sign documents. Many scammers pretend to be from 'helpful' organizations with official-sounding names, use a Housing and Urban Development (HUD) official source. Question any sale price far below market value. Use websites, like Zillow, Redfin, or speak to a licensed real estate agent to understand your property's true market value. Get everything in writing. And always consult a licensed attorney or real estate professional. As Mayes warns, 'This is not just about fraud. It's about robbing people of the homes they've built their lives around. It's about stealing memories, safety, and dignity.' If you believe you or someone you know may have been a victim of this or a similar scheme, report it to the Arizona Attorney General's Office online or by calling 602-542-5763. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Inside UK benefits capital where jobless locals live off ‘PIP trips' and vodka-swigging teens torch bins
ITS rolling valleys and picturesque countryside attract more than half a million tourists a year. But despite its rich heritage as a coal and steel-mining area, pockets of deprivation have earned this borough the title of the most anxious place in the UK. 10 The dubious accolade comes as new figures reveal Blaenau Gwent in south Wales is home to the highest number of people who claim the state's disability benefit, PIP (Personal Independence Payment), due to anxiety or depression. One in 30 people in the local government district in the county of Caerphilly claim PIP due to mental health problems, the statistics show. In the small town of Rhymney, residents say they are overwhelmed by the sheer number of social residents being moved there, as the High Street's shops close their shutters and buildings are developed into HMOs (houses in multiple occupation) where at least three individuals are housed, sharing a bathroom and kitchen. Rhymney's residents say drug dealing, anti-social behaviour and high levels of deprivation have transformed the town into a no-go area at night which is "doomed". Walking through woods on the sunny day The Sun visited, a lone woman sat on a step in the woods guzzling beer from a can and smoking cannabis, while on the main road out of town, free roaming sheep dodged traffic. On the High Street many of the shops are shut down, although a newsagents, fish and chip shop, barber and two Helping Hands charity shops remain open. Many of the people on the main social housing estate next to the town centre admit they have lost hope and don't see a future for themselves. Kirstie Cavender, 38, suffers with her mental health and collects the benefits, dubbed "going on a PIP trip". She said: 'I never used to suffer from anxiety but had a bad time in a past relationship and it's been the same since then. 'I've claimed Universal Credit since I was 21, and have been claiming disability for three years because of my mental health. Our town is so depraved it has the same life expectancy in war-torn Syria "It's hard but I've become good at budgeting because I have to budget really carefully. 'I've got a 14-year-old and a seven-year-old and even if I could work there's no employment round here unless you can drive, and I don't drive. 'Rhymney used to be nice, but it's not like it used to be. There's a lot of drug abuse and drug dealing going on, so you can't go out on the streets at night, and I don't let my kids out on their own, it's just not safe. 'We need more parks and places for the kids, but we just get forgotten about, nobody who lives here has any hope. Most of the shops are shut. It's depressing.' Rhymney used to be nice, but it's not like it used to be. There's a lot of drug abuse and drug dealing going on, so you can't go out on the streets at night, and I don't let my kids out on their own, it's just not safe Kirstie Cavender Another resident who wished to remain anonymous said: 'I'm on benefits for anxiety and have been for three years since I left prison. 'I also have ADHD so my mental health is not good, and I don't leave the house unless I really have to. I know loads of people here, but I just prefer to be left alone and there's not anything here to go out for.' 'We're doomed' A total of 2,289 people in the constituency are in the same position. Pub landlord Andrew Roberts of the Royal Arms Hotel in the High Street has just one customer cradling a pint of beer when we pay a visit. He says the only reason he's able to stay open is because he has other pubs outside of Rhymney which keep the business afloat. 'Everywhere was thriving until the coal mining and steelworks were shut down by Maggie Thatcher. 10 10 'Now it's a very, very poor area and there's no money about here. I can understand why everyone is depressed and down. 'They turn to drink and drugs to cope. Somewhere the bubble's going to burst. "There's not a great deal of industry around here, with job losses in the area too there'll only be more people in the same boat. 'The only reason I keep this pub open is for the few people who come in here in the summer. 'I close most nights. The country is a mess and Wales has been forgotten. "Ffos-y-fran opencast coal mine in Merthyr Tydfil was the last in the UK and it closed in 2023 with nothing to replace the jobs that were lost. 'The Government brought in an emergency bill to save Scunthorpe steelworks – but nobody lifted a finger to help Port Talbot's Tata Steelworks last year. I feel like we're doomed.' What is PIP? Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a welfare benefit that can help with extra living costs. A person can claim it if they have either a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability, or if they have a difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around because of their condition. PIP payouts to people who suffer from anxiety or mental health disorders have more than doubled over the past five years. In 2020 it cost the economy £1.2billion, while today that figure is £2.6billion. Each person gets a standard rate of £73.90 per week, with a further mobility support payment of £29.20. 'Overwhelmed' Of the residents we spoke to in Rhymney town centre, many were fiercely protective of their heritage and community spirit, but agreed there are too many people in social housing in the town. Local resident and former charity worker Kathy Rist, 69, said: 'Rhymney is an ex heavy-mining town, but it also had Rhymney Brewery, established in 1856, that kept the whole of south Wales and beyond in good quality beer. 'It was a thriving, working class town where everybody knew each other, and that is still the case. Families go back for generations. 'We are a town where our basic ethos is looking after people who are in a bit of trouble or down at heel. "Because of that we have people placed here who are vulnerable in the type of housing where they are not looked after. 'They may have drug and drink issues, and we're not against people who are vulnerable living our communities, but the town is overwhelmed by the amount of people. Youngsters sometimes like to congregate here, which is fine... But then they've got bottles of vodka, which they're smashing on the ground, and then they set fire to the bins because they're cold. There's nothing else for them to do Kathy Rist "The bank, two of the chapels, the old doctor's surgery and several large houses have been turned into HMOs, which are basic. 'Youngsters sometimes like to congregate here, which is fine. They get off the train and hang around in the park. 'But then they've got bottles of vodka, which they're smashing on the ground, and then they set fire to the bins because they're cold. There's nothing else for them to do. 'Rhymney is a nice town full of good, honest, hard-working people. But there's nothing here for entertainment, activity, enrichment or going out with friends in an evening. That's what it's lacking. 'Thatcher tore the guts out of this town by the closure of the pits, which was followed by the closure of the brewery. 'The brewery building was turned into a gym which was the heart of the community; everyone went to the gym whether you were fit or not. It was gut-wrenching to lose that when it shut in 2024. 'The council in their wisdom are putting council-owned housing there, but also a vulnerable children's home next to a railway which is becoming a metro system and will have four trains an hour when it's upgraded. It's a recipe for disaster because of county lines." 'Lack of purpose' The Rhymney line is undergoing a major upgrade as part of the South Wales Metro project, with an eight-month engineering programme currently underway to electrify the line, meaning more frequent trains. Yvonne Pugh, 80, said: 'Although on some parts you'd think life was harder during the mining years, it was also easier. "We had things on our doorstep like socials; I think that's the kind of thing which enriches the little valleys. 'Anxiety comes from a lack of purpose in your life. You can have bouts of anxiety because of bereavement, or awful things happening to you. But it doesn't have to be permanent, if there are things around you to helping you out of that. The council in their wisdom are putting council-owned housing there, but also a vulnerable children's home next to a railway which is becoming a metro system and will have four trains an hour when it's upgraded. It's a recipe for disaster because of county lines Yvonne Pugh 'When the bigger industries have gone from the valley, we haven't had enough replacements or training. 'If you're on a low income there's nothing to help you out anymore. It's not that people haven't got the incentive, there's just not enough round here to help them. 'The town needs a facelift, but there are a few littles groups trying to help, but we need our share of redevelopment and that would help us. "It needs to have a little bit back of what it had before, more groups and things made easier for youngsters to do. 'The lack of employment here now is difficult, not everyone has the luxury of jumping in a car to get to work.' No hope Lyndsey Thomas, 51, an EOTAS (Education Otherwise Than At School) tutor supporting children who aren't in mainstream education, said: 'It's systemic. We can be quick to see anxiety as an internal thing, but it's systemic. "It's ok providing housing and shelter, but that's the bottom of the pyramid. 'To allow people to thrive it needs to be about food and warmth, but on top of that we need to look at how to address the problem. 'Young people are making their own entertainment around here because there's nothing for them to do. We've never had a leisure centre here, I remember kids asking if we'd ever have a swimming pool. 'Hope is what is lacking here. When you ask young people, 'What are your aspirations?' a lot of young people, particularly in an area of deprivation, their only experience is of going to the local Asda on a weekly shop, you might know of a hairdresser, a nail bar. Hope is what is lacking here. When you ask young people, 'What are your aspirations?' a lot of young people, particularly in an area of deprivation, their only experience is of going to the local Asda on a weekly shop Lyndsey Thomas 'Even though they might learn of Neil Armstrong at school, or hear, 'My dad's a doctor', there's a real sense of people thinking, 'I'm not good enough for that'. 'It's very easy to see 'scroungers', but they've all got a story. There's no investment for a future. They can't tell you want they want to do because they can't see a future for themselves.' Alison Jones, 77, spearheaded a campaign to save the old brewery building in a bid to improve the town's wellbeing and economic future. "With imagination it could be a place for training, especially in the growth industries like hospitality," she said. "It's in a prime position next to the train line, it could have been used as a heritage destination or lots of different things to bring money into Rhymney, which could stay in Rhymney. 'But instead, the council have decided to use that for further social housing. We're not against social housing at all, but we want to make sure the town has places people can go to, to help everyone. 'The local authority is inundating Rhymney and the local community with the people that need help, and yet they're taking away the structures that could help them.' The Sun has reached out to the local council for comment.
Hindustan Times
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
In the face of war, India's spirit shines bright
At a time when India is at war with Pakistan, the country stands united. On May 8th, after Pakistan violated the ceasefire at multiple locations along the border and launched a drone attack, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and other sensitive areas declared a blackout. As a result, authorities had to halt the ongoing IPL match in Dharamshala. Spectators were asked to vacate the stadium, leading to sudden panic. In these difficult circumstances, the local people came together to help those in need, setting a strong example of national solidarity. 'No one expected the border tension to escalate this far, so people panicked; they were clueless about where to go. Airports were shut, and it was difficult to get a railway ticket. We connected with hotels, homestays, and nearby accommodations to keep their spaces ready. We also offered free stays, although some people had paid. Now, in the morning most of the people are leaving, and we are helping them with cabs and taxis at fair charges. We received more than 100 calls,' says Siddharth Bakaria, homestay owner in Jammu. Another local resident, Aaraynsh, a data consultant, also asked people to reach out to him for stay and food assistance. 'Most of the people were on vacation, and when they were asked to leave suddenly, a state of panic erupted. Since Pathankot is just 80 km away and was highly sensitive, even those who had trains to catch from there were scared to go. They were looking for shelter, so we opened our Airbnb to help,' he shares. While many individuals like them extended help during the crisis, compassionate groups were also active in the most affected areas like Poonch and Rajouri. Khushboo Shah, a 30-year-old engineer who runs a group called Helping Hands, said, 'There was heavy firing last night (May 8), and people were asked to vacate early. While some went to their relatives, others needed help with accommodation. Our group of 10–15 people has been assisting with stays, travel, food and other necessary support.' In addition, the Sunni Students Federation, in association with local authorities, has established several camps in hospitals and is urging people to donate blood. 'Due to the shelling, many people are getting injured, and to ensure we are prepared, we are requesting blood donations. We have set up camps in Poonch, Mandi, Jammu, Rajouri, and other parts, and people are turning up in large numbers,' says Farid Ahmad, a national secretariat member of the federation.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lincoln Park community mourns loss of local wrestling promoter after battle with leukemia
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways The Brief A beloved member of the community in Lincoln Park has died after a fight with cancer Dakota Luna started a group to help the community in the final years of his life Luna was also a fan of wrestling, operating a promotion company for shows in the area (FOX 2) - A beloved member of the community in Lincoln Park died weeks ago from a years-long battle with cancer. Dakota Luna was passionate about wrestling and ensuring his friends, family, and neighbors. Back in Time Dakota Luna stopped by FOX 2 with words of wisdom on March 11 when he shared his story with viewers. He talked about God, his legacy, and what he hoped to leave behind. He also said he didn't want to grow emotional, but sometimes these things can't be avoided. "It's been a very very tough battle that I've been going through," he said. His battle with leukemia had been ongoing since his diagnosis in 2021. Weeks after his visit, the 29-year-old died. But even on the borrowed time he believed he was living from, he ensured his message came through - which is why he created Luna's Helping Hands. "I wasn't able to work. I wasn't able to get up every day and do my 9-5 anymore. So I found my love in helping in the community, and I realize God gave me strength," he said. Jump Forward Among those that cherished their moments with Luna was Rhino, a hall-of-fame wrestler with experience around the ring. He worked one of Luna's final shows. "You feed off that energy and passion that he had for not only wrestling but his community. Whenever you can be involved in that and help out, it's that much more meaningful," the wrestler said. Another person who remembers Luna was his friend and Lincoln Park-native Jeremy Jones, who worked at his wrestling promotion firm. "There's one time he checked himself out of the hospital just to be at the show. He wanted to be there so bad. We did a couple spots, and we'd talk on the mic together. He loved it. He loved being part of the community," he said. What you can do Luna's family has set up a gofundme to pay for expenses. Find out more here. The Source Interviews with former wrestlers, community members, and previous coverage were used for this story.
