Shrine Sets Old Man's Home on Fire
Donation protected
On New Year's Eve someone pounded on the window. My boyfriend went to look and saw the neighbor's house on fire. The house belongs to a long-standing elotero (corn vendor) who lives there with his special-needs adult son and disabled wife. His name is Jose Gomez. He and his family were sleeping when the fire broke out and it was spreading quickly.
Jose's wife suffered from a stroke after being struck by a car on the corner of Keeler and Armitage six years ago. She no longer has full speech ability nor ability to walk. His son is mentally handicapped and is not able to live self sufficiently. Jose has also recently suffered a stroke and has been working and praying hard to regain full speech and physical strength.
In addition to being known for providing and caring for his family, being hard-working and kind, he is also greatly known for bringing our community members together every year to celebrate El Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe, as he has worked diligently over the years to maintain a large beautiful Shrine in her Honor. Dozens of people come annually to celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe in front of his house. And while he never asks for anything in return, many people gather with contributions of food, flowers and prayer every year.
This fire destroyed the Shrine, shattered out the windows in the front of the house and burned the front frame.
Fortunately, no one was hurt in the fire. But knowing how much Jose does and is responsible for, we know how much of a financial and emotional burden this is going to be on such a modest elderly man. When he grows peppers and tomatoes in his front yard, he donates them to the community. When people have offered to pay or give him a contribution, he would always refuse, stating that they were "from God"and that "somehow God will pay me back".
We ask for any amount as it can only help him get through this difficult patch of time to regain footing in his life and continue to provide for his wife and son, for without him, they would have no one.
No amount is too small to share, and please share this page. Thank you for helping.
Jose's wife suffered from a stroke after being struck by a car on the corner of Keeler and Armitage six years ago. She no longer has full speech ability nor ability to walk. His son is mentally handicapped and is not able to live self sufficiently. Jose has also recently suffered a stroke and has been working and praying hard to regain full speech and physical strength.
In addition to being known for providing and caring for his family, being hard-working and kind, he is also greatly known for bringing our community members together every year to celebrate El Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe, as he has worked diligently over the years to maintain a large beautiful Shrine in her Honor. Dozens of people come annually to celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe in front of his house. And while he never asks for anything in return, many people gather with contributions of food, flowers and prayer every year.
This fire destroyed the Shrine, shattered out the windows in the front of the house and burned the front frame.
Fortunately, no one was hurt in the fire. But knowing how much Jose does and is responsible for, we know how much of a financial and emotional burden this is going to be on such a modest elderly man. When he grows peppers and tomatoes in his front yard, he donates them to the community. When people have offered to pay or give him a contribution, he would always refuse, stating that they were "from God"and that "somehow God will pay me back".
We ask for any amount as it can only help him get through this difficult patch of time to regain footing in his life and continue to provide for his wife and son, for without him, they would have no one.
No amount is too small to share, and please share this page. Thank you for helping.
Organizer
Cindy Alvarado
Organizer
Chicago, IL
