Help a homeless disabled man

Chris Votey is disabled and unable to work a typical job – in 2012, he suffered a work accident that left him with brain damage in the form of Post-Concussion Syndrome. Due to his condition, he has memory loss, sensitivity to light and noise, and debilitating headaches; he also gets overwhelmed and overstimulated in new environments or groups of people, and thus unable to function. Often, his brain shuts down due to prolonged overstimulation, and eventually his body will shut down and he’ll go to sleep. Regardless of the length of time he sleeps, he never feels rested.

Like many in his situation, he fell through the cracks, and despite many tries, was denied Social Security Disability. He’s tried to work with a lawyer, but no one will talk to him unless a doctor says he’s disabled. Because he’s on Medicaid, he can’t find a doctor to take his condition seriously. Chris was awarded food stamps for a few months, and only ate once a day to maximize his survival, but the food stamp benefit has run out.

Now, Chris is facing homelessness. The last time that happened, he was given the opportunity to live at his current location for 18 months rent free. Unfortunately, the person who allowed Chris to live with him is unable to allow him to continue to do so, and Chris has to leave by August 1.

He’s been researching homeless shelters, but there are no guarantees he’ll find space; many other homeless people are looking for the same thing. Even if Chris does find somewhere he can stay, they tend to only allow short-term placements. If he’s unable to find somewhere, he may literally be sleeping on the streets.

His most recent research has found that the shelter system in his area will most likely put him up for three days, then transfer him to another shelter, which will only house him for 30 days.

He has started a youtube channel to document this process.

 

About Chris: Despite his disabilities, he is an author, editor, blogger, and writing coach. His blog  features articles on writing tips (such as his detailed Worldbuilding series) to help others on their quest to be published. He is active in the Insecure Writers Support Group (IWSG), giving free advice and tips both in the forums and in monthly blog posts. He has also been published in the IWSG newsletter and website.



He has five books published and available on Amazon. He is currently working on _Character Astrology Profiles_, a series of books dedicated to character development, which he’s been researching and developing since last year.

However, working on his passion is extremely difficult for him. He is only able to spend a few hours each day doing so, and then is forced to spend the rest of the day recovering. If he tries to push himself, he’s unable to do anything the next day or so.

Chris is also my friend. Caring, loyal, kind, and supportive. I am disabled as well, and this is all I can do to help. It breaks my heart I can't do more.

 

Ways to help: Chris hopes to raise some funds to allow him to find a place to live. Otherwise, he will be homeless, on the streets, and unlikely to be able to finish his books or help other writers.

I am starting the goal at $5,500, although it will barely get Chris started. Even studio apartments in his area cost over $1,000 per month, and they all require deposits, plus utilities. House sharing isn’t much cheaper. (The amount will also help defray the cost of the gofundme and processing fees.)

You can also purchase Survival Items off his Amazon Wishlist (be sure to follow instructions to make sure he receives your gift) or donate to his Paypal.

A donation of any amount is welcome, as are shares of this campaign.

Thank you for your consideration.