Get Dustin into an Apartment
Let me tell you about Dustin - he's the guy you may have seen sitting outside the Starbucks on Mass Ave. holding a little cat, or feeding a squirrel from his hand.
I got to know Dustin over the Summer, originally by noticing that he needed a belt (and giving him mine), and later through hiring him for odd jobs while renovating. He's always been friendly, respectful, and has been a good worker for me. He also loves animals, and I'm almost positive he ends up spending more money on his cat (Princess) than he does on himself.
Bottom line is that I think he has just had some hard luck - and even with that he stays positive and friendly, but I can tell it's wearing on him. He's been more than willing to work for me, and asks consistently if there's more work that he can do, but unfortunately I don't have ore for him at the moment.
He's also trying to schedule a follow up surgery to help with one of his gunshot wounds, which will leave him fairly incapacitated for up to four months
On top of this, Dustin recently lost his housing and I've been trying to come up with a way to get him back into a stable living situation. He is currently trying to get into a cheap apartment downtown, which will cost $425/ month - which is a lot for someone currently living on the street.
I'd love to see him get a place ASAP - it's hot, and he needs to schedule a surgery that will have him in a wheelchair for about four months.
How can you help?
1. If you live around downtown and have any odd jobs that need done, LET ME KNOW and I'll get you in touch. I don't know why he's had a hard time keeping other jobs, but I imagine not having a car or a place to live currently is a big issue. I can vouch for him being a good worker.
2. If you can spare a few dollars to help get him and Princess into an apartment that would be amazing.
I would love to see if we can raise at least $425 and get his deposit paid and give him a little boost. Anything extra will go straight to helping him get settled.
If nothing else, if you happen to walk by him, say hello and ask how he's doing. I promise he won't bite.
