A few months ago, Earl Perkins, an elderly man living in Johnson County was bit by a copperhead snake in his home.  He lie sleeping on his couch when he abruptly awoke by the feeling of a “ball of fire” in his arm.  He sought help from his neighbor who identified the bite.  Since then, Earl has been living with family members out of fear of another painful and dangerous bite.

His house was in the poorest of conditions and likely the cause for the snake’s ability to enter the home.  The roof and walls were no longer sturdy enough to be a fit place to live.  Frigid winter weather and blistering summer air made the home a hazard in all seasons.  But, as of just a couple days ago, with the help of a local church, Links, and Christian Appalachian Project’s Housing Program, Earl will be sleeping in a new, safe home—one that will keep the snakes out. Teresa Gullett, CAP’s Elderly Program Manager says, “I didn’t realize what he was living in. He actually should’ve been taken out of that home 10 years ago or more. So just the thought that tonight, he can lay in a nice cool home and not have to worry about snakes.”

Watch video at WKYT Channel 27