Get Dan a Van
Dear Topanga Neighbors:
A few months ago we wrote you about a man, Dan Hoyt, who used to live in his red pickup truck on Old Canyon. Generous neighbors donated $5,325 so we were able to buy him a van with insurance that another neighbor remodeled with a bed and some storage. Another neighbor put him up temporarily in her driveway for the last six months, and we rented a porta-potty for him. Another neighbor called on a dentist, Dr. Alan Rubinstein at Santa Monica Family Dentristry, who contributed a new set of teeth for Dan who hadn't his teeth any longer. See the attached photo of Dan sporting his new teeth with the happy dentist
But as always, times are a'changin'. Dan is in great pain because his knees are shot and he needs them replaced as soon as possible. The Veterans Affairs, where Dan gets regular medical help, is going to do the surgery probably within a month or two.
And his generous landlady needs her driveway back. She has nothing but good to say about Dan as a tenant. "He is a truly ideal tenant. Dan is a very proud man. I offered him the use of my shower and for months he declined but now 6 months later he does come in and shower on the weekends. Dan has his issues (as we all do) but he is always polite and does not use drugs or alcohol on my property."
We are seeking a Topanga angel who will provide a spot in the canyon where Dan can live in his van while he awaits surgery on his knees. We want you to know that if you can help out now, there is no commitment for Dan's longer-term living arrangement. Once Dan has the surgery he will recuperate at the VA and that will take months.
A number of us help Dan with food (he often eats at Rocco's), bottled water, and other necessities. He has some modest monthly income from the VA and some left from our last fundraiser.
If a Topanga angel would like some modest rent we can do that too, thanks to the generous GoFundMe donations.
Rest assured that if you feel you can help you will join a group of us who are committed to making these later years for Dan the best they can be.
Buzz Wilms
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Initial Post Below
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Hey Topangans,
"There is a man by the name of Dan whom many of you have given rides to, or seen living out of his truck on Old Canyon. He just celebrated his 68th birthday.
The other morning before it was light I was driving toward the village and saw him standing dangerously on the edge of the road as the commute traffic was building but you couldn’t see him until you were right on him.
Today I stopped by and gave him an emergency jacket with glow-in-the dark stripes for which he was grateful. His truck had broken down and he has to get to the VA regularly for some kind of treatment (he's not in good health).
It's a Hell of a way get old.
What he needs is a truck, or a van, that runs and could provide him shelter in the bad weather that’s coming. What do you think? I'll collect any emails [or you can contact through this site] from you lovely neighbors and see what we can do."
The above was written by Buzz Wilms. My name is Sam Havens, I live on Old Canyon. I don't know Dan well, but I know that none of us want to be part of a system that treats it's older citizens like this.
A community member (Orang) has already stepped up and bought him this van. It has less than 100,000 miles, and at $1,200 it is affordable, even when you factor in license and registration, and any work it may need. Here are my estimates:
Van: $1,200
License & registration: $150
Tune up: $200
Hence a goal of $1,550. If there is money left over, I am sure Dan could use it.
I know a lot of us want to be able to help, so that's what this page is for. I am grateful to live in a community with all of you.
