i got a fat stack of letters from ford about my f-150 cruise control being on recall, so i drove in and had it disconnected. they finally got the parts to replace it about two years later, but i had gotten so used to going without it, i never bothered to go in for the free fix.
people with a ford cruise control should definitely follow up on that link for info on the recalled models and have them repaired. it's a free fix, only takes a few minutes to do.
i'm sorry to hear about your friend's loss.

it's definitely nasty business to lose your home!