From a Cardboard Box to a Bed: Support Abuelo’s Next Chapter

Help Abuelo Find a Safe, Comfortable Home

Back in December, I found Abuelo on the sidewalk—alone, confused, and sleeping on a cardboard box under a store awning.

Since then, I’ve been his caregiver, advocate, and friend. I didn’t know him before that day, but I knew I couldn’t just walk past someone in that condition. He needed help—and I’ve done everything I can to make sure he gets it.

In late January, Abuelo was admitted to the hospital with a blood clot and cellulitis. That medical emergency turned into a 60-day stay between the hospital and rehab. It gave him time to heal, but unfortunately, when he was discharged on March 18th, there was still no solid plan for housing. Just a stack of referrals and a system that expected him to figure it out alone.

He’s been showing signs of cognitive decline—possibly dementia. He forgets where he sleeps, where he eats, and who people are. And the people in charge of his care? Most of them don’t speak Spanish, so they don’t see the red flags. The few who do speak his language have voiced their concern. I’ve only known him a few months and I remember more about his daily life than he does. That’s not normal.

Since March, he’s been staying in a hotel—because it’s the only safe option while we’ve waited on appointments, insurance approvals, and housing.

Now, we might have found a place that’s willing to take him.

But here’s the problem: it costs $155.88 per day until his insurance kicks in, and we still don’t know exactly when that will be. It could be days, or weeks. In the meantime, we’re doing everything we can to keep him safe and housed—but it’s financially overwhelming.

We’re raising funds to cover:

The $155.88/day rate for his care until insurance is active

Temporary housing if that placement falls through

Transportation to ongoing medical and mental health appointments

Basic essentials (food, hygiene items, clothing)

Household items for when permanent housing is secured (cookware, bedding, etc.)

He just celebrated his birthday—his first real one in years. We surprised him with red Converse, something he’s talked about since the day we met. The joy on his face made every sleepless night feel worth it.

We’re so close to getting him somewhere safe, secure, and stable. But we can’t do it alone.

If you’re able to donate, share, or even just send some support—it helps more than you know.

And as Abuelo always says, “Love you.”