Hi, my name is Mr. Bill, and I'm trying to end homelessness for a local Illinois Valley Starved Rock Area family.

Sir Bradley and Mrs. Ashley are in dire straits. They're currently living in a small camper trailer behind a house under rehabilitation, with their six small children. They survived this year's winter cold weather, but the landlord has taken their rent money and failed to pay the electric and gas bill, forcing them to use a generator periodically for microwave meals.

The funds raised will be used for temporary motel living quarters while they apply for permanent rental property where they'll need first, last, and deposit along with some beds, mattresses, appliances, and furniture.

Relocating from the countryside to town will open up additional opportunities and a prospective full-time job with benefits. (My neighbor has offered him a job at $25.00/hour; he just has to be able to get there...)

This young man has worked alongside me for the past 9 months as a day laborer, and I've come to know them very well. No drugs, no alcohol, just down on their luck due to various losses of employment and no actual family to fall back on. He's recently renewed his driver's license and is looking for a cash-for-clunkers type vehicle to replace his e-bike that limits everything we take for granted, including gathering groceries and applying for work at various locations.

If you are able, please share my fundraiser and help end homelessness and ensure this family has some new opportunities and success in these tough times.