This is Matt. Eagle Scout. Storm chaser. 25 years in IT. A man from Tulsa, Oklahoma who drove toward tornadoes because most people run the other way and he was never most people.

He came to San Diego on vacation 15 years ago. And he’s still here.

We met Matt today sitting at Beyer Blvd and Iris. He has a phone he loves but no service on it. He uses the wifi at Jack in the Box. His screen is shattered but his Facebook is still up. 623 followers. Still listed as an independent computer technician. Still holding on.

He is ready to work. He just needs a route back.

Here is what we are raising for Matt:

Shorts and shoes (size 9.5 to 10) — $30

Food and water — $15

Hygiene kit — $25

Backpack — $20

Blanket — $15

Phone service — $25

Bus pass — $72

State ID — $35

Total: $237

We are coming back tomorrow. That is what RUTA does. We show up, we make a plan, and we do not disappear. Every dollar here goes directly to Matt.

Everyone has a story.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​