Holiday Hope For The Homeless

My name is Billie Parsons, and this is a photo of Patrick Clark, a gentleman I met last Saturday while cycling in the Southern Calfornia river trails he has called home for years.

Patrick has a medical condition that has eaten away at his legs.  When we met, Patrick had recently been discharged from Beverly Hospital - wanting to panhandle for money, before being transferred to a nursing home for longer term care (I believe he is 41 years old).

I paid a follow-up visit on Christmas Day to find Patrick had indeed been readmitted to the hospital.  However, on that Tuesday, he had been hit by a car, while in a crosswalk (breaking both femur bones), adding more despair to an already desperate situation.

Being homeless, thus not having a physical address, Patrick has been unable to obtain SSI (Supplemental Security Income for which he should qualify due to disability).  Although I have made contributions (which are small relaitve to the need), I also created this page to raise money for life's basic necessities.

There are so many worthy causes to support, esp during the holidays.  However, there is something special about Patrick's story, as evidenced by a news segment in the link below.

http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Homeless-Hero-SoCal-Transient-and-Physician-Partner-in-CPR-Rescue-235312711.html

As you will see / read, two years ago, when he was ambulatory, Patrick helped save the life of a cyclist.  His last words in the video clip were “help people”, referring to helping any stranger in need - while he was homeless / in need of help himself.

As we count our blessings, esp this time of year, I hope you will consider giving to those, like Patrick, who are less fortunate and in need.

Thanks for reading this, and for your humanity.  May your generosity return to you many times over.