Help Michael Escape a Dangerous Living Situation

Michael is a disabled longtime Philadelphia resident trying to escape a physically unsafe and hostile living situation. He has legally resided in the same building for the last 23 years but the new owner, a developer who plans to partially demolish the historic structure, is attempting to evict him using illegal and dangerous means. On the day he took ownership the staircase landing between the first and second floors of the building collapsed without warning, trapping Michael in his apartment and requiring a volunteer rescue. Foul play is suspected. Meanwhile, the new owner, who has made no attempt to repair the stairs, instead proceeded with cleanup and demolition work--putting workers' lives at risk--while threatening that the stairs may collapse again at any time! With a potential L&I demolition looming, Michael needs community support to put his sentimental belongings in storage, secure new housing, and protect his life.

Michael has been living with a traumatic brain injury for many years and his health issues have only been exacerbated by the poor state of his building. In 2013 mold and bacterial contamination caused by longstanding roof leaks caused indoor air quality to deteriorate precipitously, severely worsening Michael's neurological condition. Despite having won a full college scholarship to an Ivy League school, Michael was eventually forced to drop out and has since been unable to work. On top of this he has endured lack of heat for 5 years and lack of running water for 2.5 years. The injuries, illnesses, and losses he has sustained because of the state of his building are too numerous to count.

Michael has stubbornly refused to give up hope or accept that he cannot work again but he now faces a life-threatening and untenable escalation. With your financial support he can finally escape this nightmare, begin his search for safe, secure housing, and start to recover his health. Michael has dedicated his life to helping others in emergencies and has more than once paid a costly price protecting the vulnerable. We all deserve to live with dignity and safety in our homes, not just barely survive at the whims of greedy and negligent landlords! Please donate to help our neighbor!