Support Wendell's Journey Back to His Hometown

Hi, my name is Wendell Stephens.

I am a retired veteran who has been homeless in the streets of Los Angeles for about 4 years. As an 80-year-old, who served in the military and worked my whole life. I never imagined this would happen.

I grew up McFarland, a small farming town north of Bakersfield. Working with my hands was just part of life so I became a mechanical engineer. Even now, I do odd jobs and fix things for businesses nearby just to keep myself busy and be of some use. My son died in the war in Afghanistan and my other son died in a car accident a few years later. I helped pay off their homes and take care of the families. When my wife was diagnosed with cancer, I spent every penny I had to try to save her. We didn't have catastrophic insurance and the medical debt was overwhelming. I had no savings or retirement left.

I have never had issues with addiction or mental health. I know sometimes people worry about donating money to something like this because they are worried about how it will be spent. My only goal is use these funds to help me buy a used RV so I can go back to the area where I grew up. I plan to have a little space to call my own, a small garden and live out the years that I have left in peace.

I thank you very much for any help you could provide.