KEEP JOHN DEVRIES IN HIS HOUSE !

-Friends-

Every homeowner has a deep, emotional connection to their house, but I feel an especially close link to my residence, a weatherbeaten home located at 2304 Herring in Waco. There are deep family connections there, and countless memories. After years of wear and tear, and a more recent disaster, I am seeking to raise $16,000 for absolutely necessary repairs to my home.

HISTORY OF THE HOME

My house is 67 years old. My Uncle, Gene Jud, built the house and lived there from 1954-1968. Gene’s father in law lived next door, and Gene’s mother and sister lived across the street. Gene was a beloved community leader with a special talent for bringing people of diverse backgrounds together. Gene and Esther Jud were married in 1936, and remained happily married until Esther’s death in 1987. In 1968, Gene and Esther bought a new home in Waco’s Cameron Park residential area. The 2304 Herring house became a rental; Anthony Quinn, who was the obstetrician for the birth of our first child, Sarah, was a tenant for several years in the early 1970s. A charismatic man and a physician of supreme skill, Dr. Quinn was loved by many, but died a premature death.

In 1979, my younger brother Mark and his new bride Susan became renters and stayed until August 1983, when Mark, Susan, and their son Adam moved to Princeton, New Jersey so Mark could go to Princeton Theological Seminary. I moved into the house with my wife Judy, and my daughters Sarah and Lisa. Judy and I divorced in 1991, but Sarah and Lisa continued to grow up in the house. I eventually obtained a clear title to the house, and became a homeowner. This place was my home during my long sojourn with my beloved wife, Delia DeVries, and it bore witness to my wondrous experiences with beloved girlfriends who died in 2020 – Debbie Reece and Mary Taft. This house means so much to me. Under ideal circumstances, I would have this house until I pass.

DAMAGE TO THE HOME

An older home is subject to general wear and tear, and in recent years I have arranged for a number of minor repairs; however, an unforeseen disaster struck on June 14th. While visiting family in Victoria, Texas, a large part of the hallway ceiling collapsed, leaving a 5 x 3 foot hole. The attic ducting and air conditioning had gone way south, and the resulting condensation caused the ceiling crash. I filed an insurance claim, but after weeks of waiting, my claim was denied. After paying premiums for approximately 15 years, I was denied help in my hour of need.

In addition to the damages to my home, I am suffering from financial difficulties. My long time employment with McLennan Community College as a Part Time Adjunct Instructor ended on May 31st. Currently, I am relying on some SS income and a small amount of money from my blog. My monthly income is short of my expenses, and my savings will be depleted in a little over a year if I do not find a new job and if I have to make all of my repairs out of pocket.

GOAL TO FIX THE HOME

I have been advised by friends and relatives to sell my house and move into an affordable apartment. I do not want to leave my home. If I can make the necessary repairs, then I could stay here for as long as I want to or until I am unable. I hope to raise approximately $16,000 through this Go Fund Me campaign.

There are certain repairs that will need to take priority over others, and I have taken the liberty of rank ordering them below. In the case that I do not reach my goal, I will still be able to make some absolutely essential repairs to ensure the safety and livability of the home.

• $4,000 for ducting/ceiling/air conditioning repair
• $6,000 for foundation repair
• $3,000 for deep cleaning, landscaping, and general debris removal
• $3,000 for interior painting to fix all of the water damage

These repairs would allow me to stay in my home indefinitely, and would give me a renewed sense of financial security and emotional hope. Without an infusion of funds from friends and community, I will be forced to sell my house by November 2021, and I will deeply grieve.

In consideration of your generous donations, I would like to provide a collection of poems I have written to anyone who makes a donation of any amount. I write poetry, and I have composed ten meaningful and powerful poems that I would like to share with you! I also write a blog dealing with political topics from a progressive perspective, with many of the publications including subjects of an autobiographical, spiritual, or philosophical nature.

Donations of any size are welcome, and deeply appreciated. Thank you for reading my story, and please consider making a contribution.