My name’s Jim. On May 29th in the early morning hours my van—and everything inside—was stolen. Right now, I’ve got only a few hours left in this spot before I have nowhere to go. Last month’s tornadoes wiped out much of our local support: 211 hotlines are overwhelmed, churches and charities have already stretched every resource. With Rommel, my 80 pound best friend dog, I can’t just crash on a friend’s couch or slip into a crowded shelter.

My plan is simple: buy a retired school bus for $5,000, register it, and convert it into a safe, weather-proof home for me and Rommel. From there, I’ll tackle insulation, wiring, plumbing, and solar so we can stay warm and powered. But none of that happens without first securing the bus. Without it, I’m back to square one—sleeping on the ground, exposed to storms and uncertainty.

Here’s what makes a difference:

The Breakdown: Where the Money Goes

Item Estimated Cost

Bus Purchase (the beast itself) $3,500

Tires, Brakes, Engine Tune-Up $1,200

Registration & Insurance $400

❄️ Insulation & Flooring $600

️ Bed, Seating, Interior Framing $500

Electrical & Lighting $600

☀️ Solar Panels + Battery Bank $1,000

️ Vent Fan + Small Heater $400

Sink & Plumbing Setup $300

Toilet (Compact or Cassette) $250

Fridge & Cooktop $300

Interior Paint & Finish Work $250

Tools, Hardware, Fasteners $300

Emergency/Repair Buffer $400

Total Build Budget: $10,000

Any additional funds will go directly toward insulation, basic wiring, and a simple solar setup so we can stay warm and charged through rain or shine.

I’ve spent my life doing hard work with my hands—and that doesn’t change now. I’m not looking for handouts; I’m looking for a chance to build a home from scratch. Every dollar means fewer nights on the pavement and more progress toward a stable, weather-safe space.

If you can’t contribute, please share this link so someone who can help sees our story. I’ll post weekly updates—photos of the bus in my name, progress on insulation and wiring, and snapshots of Rommel curled up inside once we’re underway. Your support isn’t about pity; it’s about giving two hardworking souls a foundation to rebuild from. Thank you.

—Jim & Rommel