Re-entry Support For Robert Elijah Thomas Sr.

My name is Rob Thomas, Jr. I am the son of Robert Thomas, Sr., who is a 61 year old African American veteran (Marine Corp). He's been incarcerated since 2012 and is scheduled to be released in December, 2021. Like me and so many Black men in this country, he is a casualty of the war on drugs who was never previously given the assistance he needed in life. And like so many folks coming out of prison, he will have almost no financial resources when gets out, and will face so many challenges in building a new life. He's been through so much. While incarcerated, amongst many other things, my father contracted Covid-19 and was on a ventilator in a medically induced coma for over two weeks. He then recovered slowly in solitary confinement before being placed back in the same environment that he contracted the virus in. He has Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy, sleep apnea, asthma, and has suffered from cardiac arrest and a massive heart attack. While incarcerated, he has completed several programs and never had any infractions, exemplifying a "model" inmate.

I am trying to raise $50,000 for him so that he can purchase a vehicle and make a down payment on a house, as well as to buy clothing and other necessities. My family and I will be overjoyed if our community could come together and help to assist him in experiencing a smooth transition into society.