Help Patrick Keep His Home This Winter

Hi everyone. My name is Gil, and I’m writing on behalf of my close friend Patrick DeMars, who has dedicated more than 20 years of his life to nurturing and educating children. He’s one of the most selfless, creative, caring people I know. Unfortunately, this year has been one of the hardest he’s ever faced, and I’m asking for help to make sure he doesn’t lose his apartment during the holiday season and cold months ahead. I Venmo him here and there, but I can’t do it alone.

Patrick has been fighting hard to stay on his feet. He’s already taken out a personal loan and maxed out several credit cards just to stay afloat. With the rising cost of living and limited support—especially without EBT assistance at the moment—it’s become a daily struggle to cover essentials like rent, groceries, and basic bills.

He applied for the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program, which provides emergency financial assistance to families facing housing crises, such as eviction or foreclosure. While the state didn’t deny his application, his landlord did, leaving him without that safety net and forcing him to take cash advance after cash advance to pay his rent. If anyone has info to help with this landlord situation, let me know!

Patrick continues to apply for jobs in early childhood education, as well as jobs in other fields, while dealing with serious medical challenges that have affected his ability to work consistently.

Lately, he’s been experiencing severe pain throughout his entire left side, a symptom of an undiagnosed condition possibly connected to his brain stem or nervous system. His doctors are still searching for answers, but as many know, the health care system can be painfully slow and costly. These ongoing medical issues have made it nearly impossible for him to maintain stable employment, despite his determination and his love of working with children. They did not, however, stop him from dressing in costume all October, hopping on the bus to Salem, Massachusetts, and busking for tips from tourists. Standing on the pavement all day and posing for pictures is hard work, but Pat’s not at all afraid of hard work. I think he made his rent in tips! What about the other 11 months?

Patrick sought help from his primary care physician, who prescribed medication to help manage his ADHD and a mood stabilizer so he can continue working toward stability and better health. He’s doing everything right—asking for help, following medical advice, and trying to rebuild—but sometimes doing everything right just isn’t enough without a community behind you.

Any amount you can give will go directly toward keeping Patrick in his home through the winter while he searches for employment and continues his medical care. Even sharing this campaign means the world.

I chose the $20,000 dollar amount to cover all the cash advance debt from the past year as well as expenses going forward, but gofundme bumped it down to $8,000. Really, anything helps. I’m know Pat isn’t my only friend in this situation. I lost a friend in 2024 who didn’t know where to turn and took his own life to solve his financial troubles. Is this really how society is going to work now? Patrick has given so much of himself to others over the years—to children, families, and friends. Now he needs a little bit of that kindness back. ❤️

Thank you for taking the time to read, share, and support in any way you can.

—Gil