Hello everybody. My name is Gilbert Ramirez and I am a law enforcement/mental health officer in Laredo, TX. I am sharing this with full consent from Mr. Jose Cedillo.

Earlier today, Jose was having a crisis and he called one of the hotlines for help. A crisis worker responded and we tag along with them in case of any safety/security concerns. I made contact with Jose, who was very calm and courteous. He was in a wheelchair but stated he was able to walk a little. I noticed the apartment was cold. Jose mentioned he had been without electricity for six days. I then decided to give him privacy so I stepped out so the case worker could do what they do. Once the case worker was done, she stated she put a safety plan in place with Jose and that they were going to follow up with him at a later date. She left.

I then decided to go back and try to find out more about Jose's situation. To make a longer story shorter, Jose was a truck driver and fell ill in January of this year. Due to diabetic complications, he was no longer able to work. He's had toes amputated on his right foot and he's starting to have problems with his left foot. Both his parents and his one sibling are deceased. He has cousins in Houston, none of whom are willing to help.

Jose is $11,090.00 behind on his rent, almost a full year. His landlord has been patient and kind. He has given Jose money for food before and even took him to the doctor in Nuevo Laredo and paid for it. Unfortunately, he has finally demanded in writing that Jose vacate the property by December 31st. Jose has been without electricity for six days with an overdue balance of $498. He is 4 months delinquent on his car note ($450/mo). He said he had been able to pay for the vehicle for a while by selling his living room set, television, king size bedroom set, tools and other belongings. He is in the process of applying for government assistance/disability, but that takes time. I asked if he had eaten and he said that a friend takes him food sometimes. He was eating cold soup from a plastic container. He said he didn't have a dollar to his name and he got teary-eyed. I gave him $100 so he could buy something to eat, but that's not going to help his situation much.

I know it's Christmas season and we all have our own problems, but please open your heart and wallet and give whatever you can. One day, it could be me or you that needs help. The best case scenario in my head is that at least 1,400 people can donate $10 and we can help Jose get out of this hole before the end of the month. Regardless, anything you can give will help. And if you can't help out, please share this.

Thank you.