Support Frank's Journey to Independence

Lindsey Schoeneman is organizing this fundraiser.

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Who is Frank?

We are raising money for Frank Avery, 56, who needs financial support to help him move back into independent housing with his subsized housing voucher. Frank is disabled, uses an electric wheelchair, and is on a fixed income due to his disability.

The Back Story:

In August 2024, Frank had a severe stroke and was hospitalized for nearly two months. Frank was unable to pay his rent while hospitalized, and he was discharged to an adult family home in October 2024. It was at this point that he learned he'd been evicted from his apartment for not paying rent. The eviction, although unjust, automatically caused him to lose his subsidized housing voucher.

For most cases, King County Housing Authority will not reinstate a housing voucher after an eviction. However, due to the exceptional medical circumstances that led to Frank’s eviction, KCHA agreed to reinstate his voucher. The thing is, he still needs to pay back the fees associated with the eviction, since having this on his record is a barrier to getting approved for a new apartment.

Over the last several months, I have helped Frank apply for financial aid from local resources such as St. Vincent de Paul, United Way, and the YWCA; unfortunately, Frank's situation does not meet the criteria for any of these programs, which is why I am helping him seek support from the general community.

Why is this important to me?

I’ve known Frank since 2017, when he was living unhoused in Seattle and I started working with him as a case manager; at that time, he was riding his bike all over town and making everyone laugh. He had his first major stroke in 2020, which left him almost completely paralyzed physically and with speech; but he was immediately dedicated to his recovery, and he improved enough to be able to use a housing voucher and move into his own place in 2021. I feel fortunate that we've stayed in touch over the years. Throughout the time I’ve known him, he has been very proactive and a great self-advocate, and not to mention, he has a great sense of humor, a bright spirit, and I call him a friend. Frank's speech has greatly improved since his first stroke, and he attends weekly physical therapy with hopes to be able to ride a bike again one day. I believe in him and I believe he deserves to live a dignified life; moving out of the adult family home and into an independent apartment would help him tremendously.

How will the funds raised be used?

Frank owes $6,070 from eviction fees and the back rent. 100% of the funds will be put toward this. Anything extra will be put towards move-in costs for a new apartment, such as the security deposit, and furniture and other household items.

Anything helps!

We recognize that there are so many causes to contribute to. If you can spare $1, $5, or anything else, it will make an impact. Frank says: “Whatever you can donate, I appreciate. It can go a long ways in getting me another apartment.”