Help Max Rebuild His Home and Save His Life
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For over 35 years, Maxsonn Smith has been a fierce advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and a world where sexuality is allowed to be freely lived. Inducted into the “Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame” in 1991 for his contributions to Chicagoland, his contributions to make the world better have had both statewide and national reach.
Max has lived in Chicago since his 1976 graduation from Michigan State University. He has been treasurer of the Illinois Gay Rights Task Force, founder of the Chicago chapter of the National Coalition of Black Gays, an organizer of United Faith Affinitas Church, a member of Adodi Chicago, a founding member of Lighthouse Church of Chicago, Chicago correspondent for BLK magazine, columnist for BLACKlines and Identity magazines, and editor of "Staying Power," a book on black SGL relationships.
One of Max's enduring accomplishments was the place of refuge he built for black same gender loving men in Chicago experiencing homelessness. Over the years, he gave shelter to dozens of black SGL men including black LGBTQ+ immigrants seeking asylum in the U.S. Many of the people Max helped now have their own homes and are living fulfilling lives.
In April 2021, Max had a mild stroke leaving his whole left side immobilized. Fortunately, he didn't experience any brain damage so his cognitive abilities and memory remain intact. In other words, Max is still Max. Although he is currently confined to a wheelchair, his prognosis for regaining his ability to walk is good. It will, however, require extensive rehab. He is currently engaged in the second round of inpatient physical therapy.
Max will be returning home soon. He has a team of caregivers to help him manage his medical and financial affairs. Although Max owns his home free and clear, it requires extensive repair and upgrading to make it a safe and suitable environment for his return.
Proceeds from this fund will go to:
General repair and upgrading of Max's house to make it livable
Plumbing repair including leaking pipes
Overdue utility bills
Homeowners insurance
Medical bills and medical expenses not covered by insurance
Ongoing housekeeping and upkeep
Nutrition resources
Please consider making a love donation to our dear brother, friend, mentor, and father to many. And please share this fundraiser with your network.
This fundraiser was organized by:
Uche Onwa
Wilfred
Keith Judon
John Adewoye
Lester William
Elyon Tribe
Johnson Greatson
Alden Bell
Max has lived in Chicago since his 1976 graduation from Michigan State University. He has been treasurer of the Illinois Gay Rights Task Force, founder of the Chicago chapter of the National Coalition of Black Gays, an organizer of United Faith Affinitas Church, a member of Adodi Chicago, a founding member of Lighthouse Church of Chicago, Chicago correspondent for BLK magazine, columnist for BLACKlines and Identity magazines, and editor of "Staying Power," a book on black SGL relationships.
One of Max's enduring accomplishments was the place of refuge he built for black same gender loving men in Chicago experiencing homelessness. Over the years, he gave shelter to dozens of black SGL men including black LGBTQ+ immigrants seeking asylum in the U.S. Many of the people Max helped now have their own homes and are living fulfilling lives.
In April 2021, Max had a mild stroke leaving his whole left side immobilized. Fortunately, he didn't experience any brain damage so his cognitive abilities and memory remain intact. In other words, Max is still Max. Although he is currently confined to a wheelchair, his prognosis for regaining his ability to walk is good. It will, however, require extensive rehab. He is currently engaged in the second round of inpatient physical therapy.
Max will be returning home soon. He has a team of caregivers to help him manage his medical and financial affairs. Although Max owns his home free and clear, it requires extensive repair and upgrading to make it a safe and suitable environment for his return.
Proceeds from this fund will go to:
General repair and upgrading of Max's house to make it livable
Plumbing repair including leaking pipes
Overdue utility bills
Homeowners insurance
Medical bills and medical expenses not covered by insurance
Ongoing housekeeping and upkeep
Nutrition resources
Please consider making a love donation to our dear brother, friend, mentor, and father to many. And please share this fundraiser with your network.
This fundraiser was organized by:
Uche Onwa
Wilfred
Keith Judon
John Adewoye
Lester William
Elyon Tribe
Johnson Greatson
Alden Bell
Organizer
Uche Onwa
Organizer
Brooklyn, NY
