Help Us Build a Safe, Permanent Home for Zubin — A Young Man with Autism & Trauma

Hi, my name is Reshil Ete’ Offutt and I’m the legal guardian of a remarkable young man named Zubin. He is 20 years old, non-verbal, and autistic — and right now, he urgently needs your help.

Zubin is facing the most critical transition of his life. He is aging out of the children’s group home system but due to his complex trauma history and high support needs, no safe or stable adult placement has been found.

We are trying to raise funds to secure permanent, trauma-informed housing — a home where Zubin can heal, feel safe, and never be moved again. A home built around his needs, not the limitations of the system.

Who Zubin Was — Before the Trauma

Zubin was a bright, joyful, fun-loving person. He loved listening to music, eating at restaurants, shopping (Costco and Dollar Tree were favorites), swimming, watching movies, and spending time with his friends. He had a deep bond with the Woodinville, WA and nearby community — regularly visiting local businesses and joining community events. He was connected, vibrant, and at peace in the world around him.

What Happened

In 2022, Zubin was abused by a caregiver in his group home. That traumatic experience triggered a severe mental health crisis, resulting in nearly 9 months in the hospital with PTSD, catatonia, anxiety, and self-injurious behavior.

His trauma was compounded by multiple interventions meant to ensure his physical safety: he has been restrained in ambulances and hospitals, and at one point was handcuffed by police in response to aggression tied to fear and dysregulation.

Zubin has been moved five times in just seven years through the DDA group home system — each move destabilizing him further. Every time he starts to feel safe, the rug is pulled out again.

Now, even simple activities like going to a store can cause him to break into a sweat, hit his head, and ask to leave by using his communication device to say “bad.” He no longer finds comfort in his favorite activities, movies or music. He’s afraid of the world — and every transition deepens his fear. Days go by without even a single smile, and when they happen, they last maybe 1 minute or less before the fear and anxiety take over again.

His recovery is and will continue to be a slow process due to his developmental delays, but remembering joy he took in the simple pleasures of life make it worth each moment.

Why I’m Fighting for Him

I’ve known Zubin since he was 5 years old. I became his guardian in 2023 because I love him like family and I will never stop advocating for his safety and dignity. He deserves to feel safe and enjoy his life again.

He is still in school, and we’re working to slowly reintroduce him to safe community settings. But he cannot go through move after move again. He cannot live with me, because he needs 2:1 care 24/7, and I must work to maintain my own housing. The state’s developmental disability services (DDA) simply don’t provide that level of care in a home setting with the guardian.

That’s why I’m turning to you.

Why Zubin Needs a House — Not Just a “Placement”

Since his trauma, Zubin is extremely sensitive to sound — particularly loud voices, shouting, or distress from others nearby. Apartments and condos, while more affordable, are not appropriate due to thin walls, close neighbors, and frequent noise.

He needs a quiet, detached home with a yard where he can go outside and be grounded in nature without coming too close to strangers. This is not about luxury — it’s about safety, recovery, and stability.

In our area, modest single-family homes that meet these criteria start at around $800,000–$950,000.

Our Phased Fundraising Plan

To make our goal more approachable and transparent, we've broken down the total fundraising target into three phases:

Phase 1: Secure the Home — $250,000

• Down payment for a modest single-family home in the Woodinville area

• Closing costs and fees

• Initial safety modifications and basic furnishings

Phase 2: Provide 24/7 Trauma-Informed Care — $150,000

• Three months of 2:1 staffing (24/7 care)

• Trauma-informed staff training

• Therapeutic supports and behavioral stabilization during the transition

Phase 3: Complete the Purchase — $600,000

• Pay off or reduce mortgage for long-term housing security

• Emergency transition reserve

• Fully furnish the home with calming, sensory-safe spaces

Total Goal: $1,000,000

Note: Long-term staffing will be supported by public programs like DDA/Medicaid, but these funds are needed now to ensure a safe and supported transition.

How You Can Help

• Donate whatever you can — every single dollar helps

• Share this campaign with friends, community groups, and local networks

• Tag autism organizations, businesses, or local press who may want to support

❤️ Let’s Build Zubin’s Future — One Phase at a Time

Even small milestones make a huge difference in Zubin’s life. Whether you help us reach the first $10K or the final $100K, you’re helping rewrite the story of a young man who simply wants peace, safety, and a place to call home.

With deep gratitude,

Reshil Ete’ Offutt

Legal Guardian & Lifelong Advocate, Friend, Teacher, and Caretaker of Zubin

Woodinville, WA