Please Help Us Support Dalton's Journey to Self-Sufficiency

Tucson’s heat is relentless - especially between now and August when temperatures hover between 99 and 114+ degrees every day.

Not long ago, we encountered Dalton while shopping at a nearby mall and have since returned to the vicinity every couple of days to check on him.

I won’t share Dalton’s picture for privacy reasons, but I’ll share what we know of his story. He’s suffering and urgently needs dental care.

Dalton, a young man in his early twenties, is experiencing homelessness in Tucson. He assures us he’s free from substance abuse, and his demeanor supports this.

Once just a regular kid, Dalton’s life could mirror any of ours had circumstances been different.

He and Rocky, his loyal dog, reside alongside a dry wash (an old river bed for those not familiar with Arizona) in Tucson. To avoid the blistering pavement and scorching sand, Dalton often carries Rocky or gives him a ride in an abandoned shopping cart.

They’re often seen in the scant shade near the mall's CVS or grocery store. Dalton never solicits help; he’s known to local security and retail employees as a “very nice guy,” always courteous.

When offered aid, his first concern is always for Rocky, asking for water or comfort for his dog, never for himself.

Dalton’s mother passed when he was young, his father’s whereabouts unknown. He mentions connections to Sequim, Washington, and New Mexico, but family assistance seems unlikely.

Dalton is kind, respectful, and always grateful. He prioritizes Rocky’s needs over his own.

We’ve provided water, a backpack for his belongings, and a few necessities. We continue to drop off gallon jugs of frozen water every day.

Without medical or dental insurance, Dalton is invisible to the system. He aspires to work and support himself, but health is a prerequisite.

I recall my own experience with decades of dental pain ... and the relief that came only in my mid-forties when I could finally afford dental care. Dental health is vital; constant pain is debilitating.

We’re committed to helping Dalton and Rocky towards independence, offering supplies rather than cash, and encouraging self-reliance.

I’m reaching out for your support for Dalton’s urgent dental needs, including a root canal that could cost up to $1800. My family and I have allocated $350 and aim to raise a minimum of $3500 for his immediate care.

He won't be able to access the money but he will certainly benefit from your contributions. All contributions will go directly to fund Dalton’s dental procedures, with any surplus aiding any further dental or medical needs.

In helping Dalton, we acknowledge the fine line between our paths and his— ah, there but for the grace of others go I. - s