Help neighbor Don

My neighbor has been living alone since his mother died 10 years ago. He unfortunately experienced a traumatic brain injury as a young adult, and also has multiple chronic illnesses that have regrettably been neglected. Don struggles to care for himself, and his home, where he has lived for 57 years, has fallen into squalor and disrepair. We have removed a lot of debris, and are attempting to restore the functionality. The house is in need of some minor plumbing and electrical repairs, a restoration cleaning service (Think 10 years without cleaning.), bio-waste removal, an exterminator, some new furnishings such as garbage cans, dish drainers, linens, etc. and properly fitting clothes since he has lost substantial weight, and has sensitivities in his feet and legs that require special (and expensive) socks. We have been able to get a dumpster donated; a different refrigerator, mattress set and television have been promised.

Don is modeling a new outfit that I got for him. He has previously been wearing the same clothes for weeks on end because he does not know how to do laundry and his income is meager.

This is a sweet guy whom we have failed as a society. The lack of support services and oversight is appalling to me. I have enlisted the help of the county and two departments at the state level. We are trying to get mental health services reinstated, let alone medical and dental appointments scheduled, and his benefits reviewed. We are also working on supportive living services for laundry, groceries & meals, household maintenance, financial management, help with tracking appointments and daytime activities.

If you are in a position that you can help me help Don by making a financial contribution, I can promise you that the money will be spent prudently. We have a long way to go, but he now has some properly fitting, clean clothes (some used and a few new), access to his bed, with sheets and a comforter, much less squalor, and frequent meals.

I've not done a fundraiser like this before, but I am hopeful that there is a way that I can share how the money gets used.

Thank you in advance for joining me in caring about the disenfranchised members of our communities-- and especially Don!!