Emergency Safe Housing for Kris Nellis

Hi! My name is Kris and I'm reaching out to raise funds to assist me in moving into a first floor, handicapped accessible apartment ASAP. As many of you are aware I fell in the bathroom at my current apartment on 12/16/23. As a result I suffered an open left ankle dislocation as well as an open fracture in my left tibia. It was extremely difficult for the fire department and paramedics to get me out to the ambulance because I currently have 3 steps on the landing and 6 steps to get into/out of my apartment. The doctor in the ER was able to put me under conscious sedation and put the dislocation back in place. I then went into surgery first thing in the morning on 12/17/23. I have a titanium plate and 6 steel screws securing the fibula fracture. In addition, the doctor placed a couple of surgical buttons which run filaments to the ligaments and tendons torn as a result of the fracture. I'm currently in a cast and am to remain strictly non weight bearing on that left leg for 6-8 weeks. As if that weren't enough, I also have a fracture in the little toe and going about 2 inches a long the outside of my right foot. Fortunately, I'm able to put weight on my right foot provided I'm wearing my surgical shoe.

Right now I'm in a skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation, receiving PT and OT services. Although I'm continuing to make slow progress, my insurance coverage is ending in 9 days. I am appealing their decision to terminate coverage but it doesn't look promising. My orthopedic surgeon, in discussion with me, has determined that returning to my current apartment would not be safe due to the stairs. Even though I only anticipate being in the wheelchair for a couple of months, having stairs will not be a safe option for me anymore. As it was before this latest injury, I already have a plate and screws fusing my right ankle and have had both knees replaced which all contribute to limited mobility, balance, and safety issues.

I spent 5 hours yesterday looking into first floor accessible apartments. I found 1 available unit in my sister community however the rent is $500/month more than I'm currently paying. I'm in need of financial assistance to help me secure this apartment with the required security deposits, pet deposits, transfer fees, etc and to help me cover part of my monthly rent payments to bridge the gap between what I'm currently paying and what the new rent will be. As I continue to work with PT and OT to become independent with transfers and wheelchair mobility and self-care, the therapists believe that I will be able to go home to a first floor, wheelchair accessible apartment and manage safely with home health services.

This is an emergency situation for me. If I stay in the skilled nursing facility beyond my approval from insurance, I will lose all of my income to the facility and will become 100% private pay for everything - room and board, meds, supplies, therapy, etc. That is not an option for me. Right now, I have nowhere to go. I need to raise funds ASAP so that I can secure safe housing for discharge. Please, if you are able, consider making a donation to help me have a safe place to go. Any amount would be greatly appreciated; it all adds up. I need a new place to call home with my kitties. I'm not ready to give up everything and become a resident of the nursing home.