Paul O. Ford's Plea to Preserve His Home

Peaceful Greetings to All,

My name is Paul O. Ford. I currently reside in the family home of my late parents, purchased in 1963, which seems like the distant past considering all the cultural and economic developments in every direction since that time. My parents chose this home to raise their children, and they maintained this residence and provided for their children within it very responsibly. This is a GoFundMe account, where I believe honesty should be a priority, so I will return to the choice of the word “responsible” later as it pertains to my statement.

After an exceptionally long residence abroad I returned to the family home to become the sole caregiver of my mother who battled Alzheimer’s until her transition. It was a full-time job, a very honorable service, a blessing, and certainly a unique experience with which many are familiar.

Although I returned to the ever-challenging working world full-time within a few months after my mother’s transition, my salary still caused me to struggle continuously, on and off successfully, to fulfill my financial responsibilities to maintain my home. I chose employment in a national museum. It was supposed to be a transitional employment, during the brief grief process. However, it became an extremely rewarding and healing experience in public service and education. Unfortunately, the choice of employment was not a very financially responsible one, and I speculate that the very late parents, who raised their children in the home I am trying to save, were raised themselves to be responsible enough to set other priorities to provide for themselves and their families. I take responsibility for the consequences which have brought me to my current situation, It is here where I honestly make my plea for assistance. I currently owe over $10,000 in property taxes with a city property auction pending in mid- to late July. I have been here before, even with a GoFundMe account in 2022, where I very miraculously ended up temporarily solving the problem with a forbearance(deferment). Two years later has me back in the same situation, even more critical.

This is truly an emergency for me. I have waited this long to make this plea, because I had made every effort to secure the funds on my own, considering this problem my own responsibility, All those efforts have failed miserably thus far, including private and federal loan applications. Additionally, my hesitation has derived from the full knowledge that my situation cannot be considered incredibly unique. I have awakened countless times to a state of mind, whereby I have honestly asked myself who did I think I was, asking for assistance in an environment where people live far more challenging lives, far more responsibly, honestly, but still struggle under hardships of a much greater dimension, and are more deserving of assistance. This has not escaped me. Under these circumstances, any assistance I might receive will once again produce a whole new dimension of character and humility. I recognize this thoroughly and have been well aware of it every moment I considered opening this GoFundMe account. The funds will be used directly to pay my critical property tax debt. I will give status updates regularly.

I thank you all kindly for taking the time and having the patience to read this request and rather lengthy explanation of my situation. I will be most grateful and humbled by any assistance anyone has to offer.

Peace and Blessings,

Paul O. Ford