On February 18, Mark, a disabled Vietnam-era veteran, admitted himself to the Easterseals PORT Health Crisis Unit during a mental health emergency.

The very next day—February 19—while he was still receiving care, his home caught fire and burned to the ground.

He lost everything.

When Mark got the news, he thought it couldn’t be real. He returned to find his home completely destroyed—something no one is ever prepared for, especially while already facing a crisis.

Mark did not have homeowners insurance. There is no coverage to help rebuild or even clear the property. What remains is a fire-damaged structure and debris that must be removed before anything can move forward.

Right now, kind neighbors have taken him in, giving him a temporary place to stay. Their generosity has been a blessing—but it is not a long-term solution.

Mark has lived on this land for years. It’s his home, and he hopes to stay.

Thanks to early community support, cleanup has already begun. Gravel has been donated to help stabilize the driveway, and a dumpster is now on site so debris can start being cleared.

But there is still a long way to go.

Our goal is to help Mark take the first critical steps toward stability:

• Clear the burned debris from the property

• Repair the damaged access road so equipment and vehicles can get in

• Restore basic utilities like water and electricity

• Provide a simple, safe place to live—such as a used camper or small home

Mark also cares for a small colony of cats—about 12—all spayed/neutered and vaccinated. They’ve been part of his daily life for years, and remaining on the property means he can continue to care for them.

We are starting with a goal of $6,500 to cover these urgent needs:

• Cleanup and debris removal

• Access road repair

• Basic power solution (such as a generator)

• Beginning funds toward shelter on the property

Every dollar helps move this forward.

Mark served his country. Now he needs his community.

All funds will be managed by the organizer and used directly for cleanup, property access, and basic shelter needs.

If you’re able to donate, thank you. If not, please consider sharing—because right now, visibility makes all the difference.

This is how we help him start over.