Main fundraiser photo

Team Kevin & Dert


"Team Kevin & Dert" is a group of friends, neighbors, and community members who have come together to support Kevin Martin and his canine companion of 7 years, "Dert", in their journey to secure a safe, permanent place to call home and a stable place from which to step into a future filled with hope & promise.

Kevin is an U.S. Air Force Veteran who grew up in the Pasadena area and surrounding San Gabriel Valley communities.  Like each of us, he has had many challenges and choices in life.  For Kevin, these challenges include chronic homelessness, which he has experienced over the past 20+ years.  

Regardless of the physical circimstance, Kevin and Dert have maintained integrity, humor, compassion, faith and hope.  They freely give of whatever they have to others in need and engage in friendly conversation with everyone they encounter, from local business owners to grandparents on an evening stroll with their grandchildren, to the local law enforcement officers and firefighters who serve our communties. If you live or work in Pasadena, Alhambra or San Gabriel you've likely seen Kevin sweeping up debris in front of a local business or quietly reading a book. Perhaps, you've seen him on his way to recycle discarded plastics.  And if you've encountered Kevin, you've undoubtedly seen Dert at his side, ALWAYS well-fed, clean, cared for and loved. 

Through Kevin and Dert, many of his  friends have met and bonded over our common love for this man and his dog.  We invite you to join "Team Kevin & Dert" to support our friends as they embrace a new life.
{Kevin and some friends, he has affectionately named, "Derty's Dames & Dudes", celebrating his 51st birthday in July.  As part of our birthday gift, Dert was chilling at a local dog-friendly motel for the evening so that Kevin could spend time with us.}

As of this week, through commitment, determination and God's grace, Kevin & Dert have been approved for a housing voucher through New Directions for Vets and The Pasadena Housing Authority. This is the amazing result of over 7 months of dedication and commitment to change from Kevin and the people and organizations that support him and Dert. The future is bright for Kevin & Dert. They will soon have  a "real" home!  

This big change comes also comes with some big expenses.  Kevin and Dert have done all they can to prepare for these changes including: working with a local canine trainer at "I Dig My Dog" in Pasadena to help Dert adjust to changing interactions, obtaining an Emotional Support Animal Certification, and receiving counselling to prepare for the stresses that will come with maintaining a household and managing a budget). There is still a lot to do to make the transition a success. Because Kevin is a proud man who strives to make his own way, and because Dert can't talk or write (at least not that we know of) we, his friends and neighbors, are here to let you know...

WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!!!!!

Please consider contributing to this GOFUNDME account to help Kevin and Dert be prepared for the extra costs they will incur as they transition into their new home.  They will need funds for utilities set up, pet security deposit, dog food, basic furniture, small appliances, towels & toiletries, bathroom items, kitchen utensils, pantry staple, and much more.  Kevin and his housing specialist from New Directions for Vets begin viewing properties this week. It's important he has the resources available to move in as soon as possible, as he could potentially secure tenancy as soon as October 1st.
 
A local Veterans Organization, Patriots & Paws, has accepted Kevin's application for donated goods but we still need to secure a moving truck to pick up any items they hold for him.

It will take Kevin and Dert a while to transition into their new life-style.  A cushion of emergency funds will help take off a bit of pressure and allow them to continue to make the slow and steady progress that will ensure they can maintain their new household.

It's time for this veteran to have a roof over his head along with his trusted, best friend, Dert.  Please join us in our journey to make this dream come true.  We ALL need a helping hand at different points in our lives, and Kevin & Dert need us now.  We look forward to welcoming you to Team Kevin & Dert!

PLEASE contribute what you can, SHARE, and spread the word.  You can't imagine the difference even a small donation will make. We Care! Good Things Happen! Love Wins!

Organizer

Jamie Smerdel
Organizer
San Gabriel, CA

Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

  • Easy

    Donate quickly and easily.

  • Powerful

    Send help right to the people and causes you care about.

  • Trusted

    Your donation is protected by the  GoFundMe Giving Guarantee.