Help Orlando Berrio get back on his feet

If you live in or have visited Rochester, you likely recognize Orlando Berrio.

For nearly two decades, Orlando was the friendliest face in the Center Street parking ramp. He's the kind man whose sincere smile made you feel a little better after a day of appointments at Mayo Clinic. The man who handed your kids a handful of Dum-Dum suckers through the back window. The man who asked you how you were doing ... and meant it.

That's how I first met Orlando, too — just inside the exit of the Center Street parking ramp. It didn't take me long before that ramp, which I still call "Orlando's ramp", became my go-to, no matter where I was going downtown. Because chatting with Orlando at the window made any day brighter, even if it meant I had to walk an extra five blocks to get where I was going.

I know that I'm not the only one who holds a special place in my heart for Orlando Berrio. I'm not the only one with "Orlando stories." I know this because I've heard story after story about how Orlando's kindness and friendship have helped make the days of people just like me.

And now Orlando could use our help.

Orlando had to leave his job at the Center Street ramp in 2019, due to serious medical issues. Recently, he found himself hospitalized again for diabetes complications.

Due to his inability to work and the high cost of medical care, Orlando now finds himself in the most difficult financial situation: He is homeless, and unable to afford vital medications.

Please consider helping Orlando in any way you can. If that way is sharing this GoFundMe request with others who might know Orlando, please do that. If that way is donating funds to help Orlando pay for medications and get a roof over his head, I invite you to donate here. 100% of funds raised will go directly to Orlando to help pay for medications and living expenses.

Thank you.