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Hi Friends,
As many of you know, Tom was laid off in December. The company that he had worked at for 20 years was sold and all operations were moved out of state. While Tom was relieved to finally be "retired", finances were a concern.
For the past 8 months, Tom has survived on social security and unemployment. His unemployment benefits just ended so now money is really tight.
Tom has applied for CalVet Housing (https://www.calvet.ca.gov/VetHomes/Pages/West-Los-Angeles.aspx) but the wait is at least 6 months and could be as long as a year. I honestly don't know how Tom will be able to afford to stay in his apartment until a spot opens up.
Tom has lived in his apartment for over 35 years - it's his home. I know how difficult it is going to be for him to move. The last thing I want is for him to be forced to move because he can't pay his rent.
So many of you have been so generous to Tom and we both really appreciate it. If you have already given, please share this link with others who may want to give.
Thank you for everything!
Original Story:
I met Tom 2 years ago when I lived in Santa Monica. He lived in the building behind mine and my parking spot was across from his garage. One day, while wearing my Boston Red Sox hat, I heard someone yell, "Hey! You a Boston girl?" I turned around and saw an elderly man with a cane. We started chatting and I found out that Tom was from Foxboro and had graduated from UConn many, many years ago.
Over the next few months I got to know Tom better. I would carry his groceries up to his second floor apartment, help him sweep his driveway and sometimes organize his apartment. Tom never asked for help, but I always offered. Even at 84-years-old, Tom is still extremely independent.
I've become somewhat of a surrogate granddaughter to Tom over the past two years. Tom was never married and doesn't have any children. He grew up an orphan and his only living family member is a 91-year-old foster sister who still lives on the east coast. Tom is a war Veteran and he has been battling bladder cancer for the past 9 years. He visits the VA regularly to tend to his cancer. He's been living in the same apartment for 35 years. Even though he walks with a cane and relies on hearing aids, Tom still works 5 days a week. He wakes up at 4:30 am and drives his 24-year-old Toyota to work in Sherman Oaks Monday through Friday.
I know Tom enjoys working, but he definitely works because he has to, not because he wants to. Social Security pays most of his rent, but he needs an income to pay for his various medications, medical expenses, car repairs and other bills.
As many of you know, Tom was laid off in December. The company that he had worked at for 20 years was sold and all operations were moved out of state. While Tom was relieved to finally be "retired", finances were a concern.
For the past 8 months, Tom has survived on social security and unemployment. His unemployment benefits just ended so now money is really tight.
Tom has applied for CalVet Housing (https://www.calvet.ca.gov/VetHomes/Pages/West-Los-Angeles.aspx) but the wait is at least 6 months and could be as long as a year. I honestly don't know how Tom will be able to afford to stay in his apartment until a spot opens up.
Tom has lived in his apartment for over 35 years - it's his home. I know how difficult it is going to be for him to move. The last thing I want is for him to be forced to move because he can't pay his rent.
So many of you have been so generous to Tom and we both really appreciate it. If you have already given, please share this link with others who may want to give.
Thank you for everything!
Original Story:
I met Tom 2 years ago when I lived in Santa Monica. He lived in the building behind mine and my parking spot was across from his garage. One day, while wearing my Boston Red Sox hat, I heard someone yell, "Hey! You a Boston girl?" I turned around and saw an elderly man with a cane. We started chatting and I found out that Tom was from Foxboro and had graduated from UConn many, many years ago.
Over the next few months I got to know Tom better. I would carry his groceries up to his second floor apartment, help him sweep his driveway and sometimes organize his apartment. Tom never asked for help, but I always offered. Even at 84-years-old, Tom is still extremely independent.
I've become somewhat of a surrogate granddaughter to Tom over the past two years. Tom was never married and doesn't have any children. He grew up an orphan and his only living family member is a 91-year-old foster sister who still lives on the east coast. Tom is a war Veteran and he has been battling bladder cancer for the past 9 years. He visits the VA regularly to tend to his cancer. He's been living in the same apartment for 35 years. Even though he walks with a cane and relies on hearing aids, Tom still works 5 days a week. He wakes up at 4:30 am and drives his 24-year-old Toyota to work in Sherman Oaks Monday through Friday.
I know Tom enjoys working, but he definitely works because he has to, not because he wants to. Social Security pays most of his rent, but he needs an income to pay for his various medications, medical expenses, car repairs and other bills.