ARLINGTON, Va. — The Arlington community is coming together to help a family who lost their business and is on the verge of losing their home. The Kawaskis have called northern Virginia home for three decades, but on Tuesday they were forced to leave.
The county said major water damage has made the home uninhabitable. The Kawasakis say they can't afford to make the necessary repairs.
Masuo Kawasaki, 74, and Michiko, 69, legally immigrated to the United States 35 years ago and opened a successful sushi restaurant in D.C. — Sushi Kappo Kawasaki.
Following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, business declined and eventually they were forced to close the business because of the state of the economy.
Making matters worse, four years ago, a water leak they could not afford to diagnose, locate or repair resulted in the water being turned off in their home. The gas was turned off a short time later. They have been living in the home without heat or water since then.
On Dec. 7, Arlington County Code Enforcement entered the home. Officials deemed the home uninhabitable and ordered them to leave. Now, a neighbor is stepping in to help.
Jim Correy has been the Kawasakis' next-door neighbor for 30 years. He is letting the couple stay with him. On top of all of this, last week, the couple was robbed last week.
"I'm just horrified at the situation they're in and I can't imagine being in the situation myself," Correy said. "It was a no-brainer for my wife and me to pull them into our home until we can resolve these problems."
Correy said he hopes people will embrace the spirit of the season to help the couple.
"It's Christmas time and I'm hoping that people can open their hearts during this time of celebration and giving. We're not giving presents to our family members across the country, instead we're spending the money here," he said.
Correy started an online fundraiser to help the family. According to the page, the goal is to raise $300,000. Correy said that money will be used to make the necessary repairs and get the Kawasakis back in their home.
If you would like to contribute, you can do so here.