Tim and Novina are two kind, hard-working souls in their 60s who’ve quietly adapted to life’s challenges with grit and grace. After Tim suffered a severe back injury and a subsequent life-threatening reaction that put him in the hospital and rehab for over six weeks, the two found themselves facing homelessness. Rather than give up, they embraced a minimalist, nomadic lifestyle — converting sheds into tiny homes and living on a family member’s property in Madison County, Kentucky.

They’ve made the most of limited resources ever since — working with what they had, minimizing their needs and continuing to give back to their community whenever they could.

But recently, their living situation changed suddenly when Tim’s cousin needed to make space on the property for her children. With only two power poles available for housing, Tim and Novina had to move off the land — unexpectedly and without any support. That event has forced them into an even smaller space: the cab of their truck, which they now share with their two loyal dogs.

Sleeping in the truck isn’t new for them, but it’s not ideal — especially during the warmer months. While the bed of the truck is more livable, it’s simply too hot to safely sleep there without any airflow. They have a generator and some gear — they just need a proper fan to make it work.

In addition to that, this move has created several burdens all at once that are quickly adding up to insurmountable challenges without any support -

Tim and Novina are now paying over $300/month in storage for their belongings, including the two sheds they once lived in. They just allocated part of their truck payment to moving the second shed - a cost of $450. which is half their monthly truck payment.

Their son Jacob had to quit his long-held job and move counties to stay housed, adding emotional weight and financial strain.

Their truck loan — the only one they could qualify for — carries a very high interest rate, draining their fixed monthly income with over $1,000/month in payments and insurance.

Without access to a kitchen, even simple meals become expensive and inconvenient. Showers require driving to a gym in Richmond, using precious gas money.

Despite all this, Tim and Novina remain hopeful and forward-thinking. Their dream is to one day own a pull-behind camper (“tagalong”) that they can live in permanently — something lite enough to travel with, park at RV sites or campgrounds with the necessities of water and electricity and use to visit their children in both Kentucky and Washington State.

They’ve never stopped giving back. They volunteer regularly with local initiatives like the Appalachian Community Meal Project. And they still dream of traveling to Native reservations to offer free labor repairing homes — something they’ve talked about doing for years.

This fundraiser isn’t just about making it through the next few weeks. It’s about helping two resourceful, self-reliant people regain just enough stability to live with dignity, comfort, and freedom — and to continue doing the good work they care about so deeply.

What your gift can help with:

IMMEDIATE NEEDS

$1500.00

May's Truck Payment and Insurance as this is their only shelter and source of mobility.

A SOLAR OR generator-compatible fan ($30–$150) for safe sleeping

Day-to-day essentials (gas, simple meals, supplies)

LONG TERM GOAL

Purchasing a pull-behind camper, used (~$9,000 goal)

If you can spare $5, $25, or even just a share this campaign — it WILL make a difference.

Your support tells Tim and Novina they aren’t alone, and that their quiet resilience is seen and appreciated.

Thank you for showing you care about their comfort, safety and dreams.