A Homeless Man Saved my Dad's Life
Update June 6, 2018:
Ten months ago today, Austin Davis did not give up on my dad. For 28 minutes, blood was manually moved around my father's body by effective CPR, given by Mr Davis and wonderful strangers (now friends) on a sidewalk in Hyannis, Massachusetts.
I can't believe how different all of our lives are at this moment in time. Austin Davis was a homeless resident at the CHAMP Homes (a faith based transitional housing facility) in Hyannis. I could not be prouder to say that we are mobilizing Austin to move out into a rental home within the next few weeks. This is because of your help on the GoFundMe platform. My dad is healthy and alive, because of his efforts. We have come a long way since 11am on August 7th.
I have learned how expensive Massachusetts, and Cape Cod are to live. Minimum wage earners can barely afford housing and more often than not, live one paycheck away from homelessness. We were so fortunate to have the Darling Hospitality Group step up as a full time employer for Austin at the Hampton Inn in Hyannis, so that he can sustain independence. Austin is a 57 year old man, who was NOT homeless for 55 years. He loves to work and adds tremendous value to the guest experience at the Hampton Inn. He is committed to landing back on his feet. 
Finding housing within our budget of $800 per month on Cape Cod has been next to impossible. But, we did it.... We have taken our time to find the right place, which has allowed Austin to open a savings account and begin a rainy day fund.
Austin recently was awarded a Lifesaving Hero Award at the American Red Cross Breakfast for the Cape & Islands. He is also a nominee for The Humane Society of MA Lifesaving Awards.
We are unbelievably blessed that GoFundMe also has invested in Austin's story. Not only did they financially contribute to Austin's campaign, but a production team came to the Cape to make this amazing documentary.
Please consider a donation to my friend Austin's campaign. Your money will be spent mindfully and will provide the foundation to independence that he absolutely deserves.
Original Story:
**ALL ADDITIONAL MONEY WILL GO TOWARDS HEALTH INSURANCE AND RENT FOR THE FIRST YEAR. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR MAKING AUSTIN'S TRANSITION EVEN EASIER!!***
On August 7th 2017, my father George Dakin Jr. died for 28 minutes. He had just dropped my mother off at the ferry in Hyannis, went to park the car, and never came back. For 28 minutes, he did not have a pulse. He had 100% blockage of the LAD artery-- known as the "widowmaker".
During those 28 minutes, my father spent most of them laying on the sidewalk in front of the CHAMP Homes on School Street in Hyannis. CHAMP Homes is a faith-based program which provides transitional housing and other services to homeless individuals from many different backgrounds. These folks, with the support of a small staff, do the hard work of transitioning out of homelessness to stable lives. Several staff members and a few residents worked tirelessly and administered life saving CPR. They did not give up on my dad. Against every odd, my father is alive today without any mental or physical deficit. It truly is a miracle.
Austin Davis has been homeless and is a current resident of CHAMP Homes. He is my hero. Austin saved my dad. I feel so blessed to have Austin in my life.
Austin works 26 hours per week at a hotel in Hyannis, and is hoping for a full time schedule with benefits at his year anniversary. He has been there 10 months. He is doing EVERYTHING right to escape his circumstantial homelessness-- but the hurdle is TREMENDOUS.
Odds of escaping homelessness are about as bleak as walking away from a heart attack.
Austin is not a drinker. He does not do drugs. He is always very well put together. He has a lovely personality and I know he can rise above this situation with our help.
Lets do it! I am making him my 2018 project. I will chronicle our progress on this site.
I am looking to raise $10,000. This money will be spent to secure Austin a safe, working vehicle to commute to work and cover related vehicle expenses. Any remaining funds will be used on a security deposit, first & last months rent. We will also get Austin some gas cards to fill his tank.
I will manage all funds affiliated with this account in conjunction with the Executive Director of the CHAMP Homes, Beth Wade.
Let's help Austin get on his feet! I look forward to updating all of you with Austin's progress. This is a very tangible cause where you will be able to see the results of your hard earned money. $5, $20, $100...... C'mon guys! Lets make this wonderful man our 2018 success story.
