Otto's New Home

This is my cousin, Otto. As many of you know, I am his sole caretaker and have been advocating for support services for him over the last twelve years.

Despite many challenges, tragic family events in his early life that took his sister, mother, and father, foster homes, and significant intellectual and physical disabilities, Otto has lived independently all of his life. In the 1970's my father brought Otto to live with us and then helped him live more independently. Otto has held one job for 43 years at the King of Prussia Veterinary Hospital, with colleagues who cared and watched out for him. Because he walks and is often on public transportation, he's known around King of Prussia. It's not unusual to go into a store or bank and for someone to say, "Hey, I know you. I see you walking in the area."

Otto is now 67 and for some reason (I have yet to understand) has never received any money or services, other than his paycheck. He and I have been on a long journey, trying to navigate the social services system, but most of all to secure him affordable housing. As a result of the generosity and kindness of MANY angels we met along the way, Otto was recently accepted into a brand new, safe, clean apartment in Delaware County and will move in June.

Some of you have asked me, "How can I help?" Although we have been helped so much already, I've been encouraged to set up this GoFundMe to assist in setting up Otto (and his cat, Bonnie) in their new place and to offer friends and family a way to support Otto as he retires and begins anew. Once he is moved in, he will start to receive some of the support services he needs.

Funds received will go to moving expenses and purchasing things like a bed, sofa, and kitchen items, small furnishings, his first real TV, and maybe a cat tree for his beloved Bonnie, because as he says, " I just want her to be able to sit up by the window and look outside." He lives in a small room and has very little right now.

I am and will remain eternally grateful to the individuals we've met along the way, and will pay forward the generosity of those who meet Otto and want to help.

Best,

Dina