Hoping for a Decent Place to Live

Hi, My name is John Postel, andMatt & Bob, whom I've known for a good long while, are in need of decent, affordable housing.

I’ve known and been a support system for Bob for about 20 years. He's on the specturm with high-functioning Aspergers. Bob was the mail-guy when I worked at Mastercard all those years ago and I subsequently ran into him after that and he was in all sorts of need so, whatcha gonna do?

I encountered Matt about two and a half years ago as I was driving into work around 6 a.m. and saw this guy out on the street in the dark with a cane who looked like he could use a hand. Thus began that relationship.

Over the last number of years, I’ve funded them when they’ve wound up in tight spots (mostly short on rent and out of food for Matt, and a lot of logistics support, a subsidized phone, etc., etc., etc. for Bob, all to the tune of easily upwards of $3,000. When it’s freezing or sweltering out and a person you know is going to end up on the street, whatcha gonna do?

Bob was a janitor for a couple of years at a local hospital till that ended several months ago. I expect him to get another job as soon as he is re-settled. Matt has had a major heart attack or two, and strokes, and thus is unable to work (especially in the time of COVID). They each live on $1,000 per month Social Security Disability checks. Matt also gets about $60 in food stamps that I was able to get him signed up for. Matt has been paying $275 per week at a fleabag extended-stay, former no-tell motel (so, around $1,200/mo.). Bob is in similarly funky housing with his brother (with whom he constantly bickers) and where expenses are always an issue. So that’s the background.

Now, here’s the ask. I have located several decent, nearby, two-bedroom apartments for less than $900. My plan is for them to move in together and split the rent which, after utilities, etc., would actually still leave them some money to buy food. I think they’ll be able to sustain an arrangement like this once they’re in and set up. That’s where the challenge lies. They’re going to need furniture (as in Goodwill), a television, and some other household items. My intention is to basically vouch for/sign for them as they both have shaky financial histories. That will likely mean first-month’s rent and a comparable security deposit. What I’m hoping and asking for is any funds you can spare to help make this happen. I’ve donated to any number of GoFundMe causes but have never started one before. I’m mostly only distributing this to people I know and whom I’m hoping might be in a position to help. Whether it’s $20 or $200, anything will be much appreciated.

Thanks Everyone!

John