Phil’s car was one of the ones crashed into during the horrific events of Renee Good’s murder, and various neighbors are coming together to support everyone we can in the community. Phil just got his car back from the FBI after almost 4 weeks, and since he had recently purchased it and was just getting back on his feet, he did not have insurance. Neighbors have come together to start this fundraiser to help him cover his current transportation expenses, immediately catch up on past due rent due to lost work, and repair or replace the car so he can continue to get to work.

Phil is celebrating 90 days of sobriety this week, and while he is always the type to offer help instead of asking for it, he has agreed to let his neighbors share his story and step up. While the car is drivable, we are looking for an auto body shop that is willing to donate an assessment of the vehicle, so that Phil can determine if it’s totaled or fixable.

The donation goal is currently set at the lowest cost of replacing a car like his 2010 Honda Accord, insurance coverage for a year and his small back rent needs. The goal will be adjusted as we find out more details, and determine the cash value if the car can be traded into a buyer that takes totaled vehicles.

One of his mentors shared the following: “I met Phil while he was in treatment through a local nonprofit I work for, and he was always a pleasure to have in class and he lit up the room. He would go above and beyond to uplift the others, and on his way to treatment he not only stopped to help a stranger fix a flat tire, he gave them his spare. Despite very real financial challenges and limitations, Phil is dedicated to his recovery and optimism.”

Phil is our neighbor, a humble and caring neighbor, and I hope you will join us in helping him stay on his feet and keep giving back to our community.