My name is Erlinda and I’m fundraising for a sweet man named Lawrence whom I met at a bus stop a few months ago, where we sat and spoke for over 3 hours. Lawrence slept behind a church, is funny, very well mannered and genuinely kind. Even his belongings were neatly packed and organized in his cart and if you come with gifts, he never takes without offering to pay something for it. Lawrence said his cart full of his belongings was hindering him from starting a job so I posted on next door asking if anyone was able to store his cart during the day so that he can work. Through our search and plea for help, we were able to get Lawrence off the street and into Crossroads with the help of Greg, where he received 3 meals a day and a warm bed to rest his head every night. There, they held 3 meetings daily and was expected to attend 1 class a day, where he exceeded that by attending all 3 classes daily, in addition to his 12 step program. Lawrence was visited by myself and every single Sunday by Nicole, who found his story through my original post; each of us showing support and pushing him a little more each time. 

Lawrence graduated and his last day at Crossroads was 12/9. He took the next step and moved himself into sober living, which he put any money he had left to secure a bed there; and the cost to stay is $175 per week there after. He tells me he’s nervous about coming up with rent but I assured him one step at a time and remind him that he’s doing great thus far. The important thing is, he is 100% willing to do what it takes to keep the momentum going. Some of the requirements at sober living are; attending 12 step programs and house meetings, work, volunteer or go to school full time. The goal is to get them on the right path, get them out and doing something constructive.

 

Lawrence was so touched and overwhelmed by all the amazing responses from the original post and says not only is he doing this for himself, but for y’all as well, as he didn’t want to let anyone down. When I visited him, he never missed an opportunity to share his appreciation to everyone who read his story and showed support. To know there were people behind him, honestly gave him the push he needed. 

 

The responses we received from the community from my original post, was flooded by so many who wanted to help. Unfortunately, I was having difficulty creating a Go-Fund-me page for Lawrence during that time and no donations were taken. For those who missed out on contributing and are still wanting to help; your kindness will help tremendously; it will keep him in a good headspace and most importantly, maintain his residence at sober living while he searches for a job where he can then manage on his own.