Help Lorie-Ann and Donald Back To Stable Housing

Hi. My name is Bruce Olstad, and Lorie-Ann is my dear, lifelong friend. If you sang with The Great Day during the mid-80's, you may remember us. If not, here is a little of our story. Lorie-Ann befriended me on a choir tour of Great Britain in 1983, when I was a shy, geeky 15 year old who really needed a friend. During the next few years she helped me become more outgoing and social. When I made the hard decision to begin the coming out process, Lorie-Ann was the very first person I trusted enough to tell my secret to. I knew her caring, non-judgmental heart was more than big enough to hold my truth. And I was right. Through the years, we have seen each other through some pretty big ups and pretty big downs. And though she moved to Florida many years ago and we don't see each other very often, she has never moved out of my heart.

Lorie-Ann and her husband, Donald, have fallen into a tight spot, and now she needs us to offer a lifting hand. Lorie-Ann, Donald, and their two dogs and two cats have been unhoused since November, spending some of that time living in a minivan, and some time camping, where they are now. Lorie-Ann is still working, but Donald can’t until they find permanent housing again. It's a situation that can only get worse without a little miracle. And we all know, miracles aren't magic. They are just decent people doing decent things to help each other out.

I am raising funds to get Lorie-Ann and Donald back into an apartment again. The money required will include things like first month's rent, last month's rent, some kind of security deposit, most likely a pet deposit, and moving expenses. I have set a goal of $6,000, though it could easily require more. It goes without saying, this money is needed as soon as possible.

Every man, woman, child, and pet deserves stable housing. Many of us are just one step away—one medical emergency, one job loss—from being here ourselves. Please reach deep into your heart and your wallet and help lift one family out of this spiral of homelessness. Lorie-Ann has touched so many lives for the better, including mine. She is loved by many. She is loved by me. Love is never a burden. Love is a privilege. And most importantly, love is an action.

Thank you.