Help Paul Waller Keep His Home and Hope Alive!

Dear Friends,

I've reached a difficult point in my life, and I find myself in need of your support. For the past couple of months, I've been grappling with an overwhelming situation, and I'm turning to you because I simply don't know where else to turn.

As many of you know, I’m a humble person who enjoys the simple pleasures in life nature, birds, my beloved cat, and the fact that I’m a cancer survivor. One who still requires ongoing treatments and is facing yet another upcoming surgury with more bills and unpaid weeks completely out of work. 

 I've dedicated almost eight years of my life to serving Broward County Parks and Recreation at the Fern Forest Nature Center. I love working there and I'm always striving to provide the best service and safest possible experience to our park patrons. Just as I thought my life was improving, I faced another unexpected challenge, a mere 8 months before I'm to be vested in the counties retirement pension plan. A pension I would collect for the rest of my life! So I can't exactly quit and look elsewhere. Not yet anyway.

In May, Broward County announced a staggering $65 million budget cut, which severely impacted part-time park staff like myself. My hours were slashed from nearly 80 a month to a shocking 23, and come August, I'm only scheduled for 4 hours of work for the entire month! That's not a job!As an outstanding employee I'm feeling extremely let down!

 I was already living close to the edge on my Social Security. So Part time employment with the park is a necessity. Now this drastic reduction has put me in a precarious position, leaving me with well over a $1,000 shortage each month since May. Any savings I've had has gone to pay ongoing medical copays and things my insurance doesn't cover. Including covering my shortage in pay from Broward County the past 2 months. I've sent out dozens of resumes looking for additional part time work. Hard to believe I hear almost nothing with my credentials. But I keep trying! 

I have already committed to a lower priced condo in a 55 and over community—a place where I can hopefully finally enjoy the rest of my life. But, I fear it will slip from my grasp if things continue on this trajectory. I would risk eviction from my current home, which would leave me facing homelessness. I can’t bear the thought of being unable to find a rental ever again.

Several friends hearing how stressed I am over this situation have suggested setting up a Go Fund Me campaign. To try and help cover the rent from May through October until the County Budget resets,my hours recover and I hopefully move into a more affordable unit. I’m always the one who hates to ask, but I’m humbly reaching out for any support you can provide. I’m aiming to raise $5,000 to carry me through this trying time, and any donation, no matter the size, would be greatly appreciated and mean the world to me.

All funds raised will go directly towards my rent payments. I deeply appreciate your kindness and support during this challenging period in my life.

Thank you so much for considering helping me.

With Gratitude,

Paul Waller