Naomia Leeson

When Michael's landlord abruptly sold his home a couple of years ago, he was completely unprepared to transition to a new place. Suddenly homeless, Michael put his belongings into a storage unit, which he also used for shelter during bad weather. Then, Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina, wiping out everything in his storage and ruining his Mazda truck. The rushing water nearly took his life, and he narrowly escaped drowning. Since then, Michael has been deeply traumatized by everything that has happened to him. While he was still living in his house in Columbus, NC, Michael... had already been diagnosed with adult-onset diabetes but suffered complete kidney failure. FEMA was unable to help because he didn't have a house address. Michael eventually found a spot in a shelter, but while there, he contracted COVID and was hospitalized for five days. His blood sugar was dangerously high, and he takes insulin and is disabled. Right now, he is very thin, has lost muscle mass, and is still struggling with his health. He has a doctor and keeps going, but he is sick, diabetic, and living in his van when he isn't able to stay in a shelter or with a friend for short periods. A year and a half later, he is still homeless and sick, with several hospital visits, including two in the last three months due to high blood sugar and malnutrition. I honestly don't know how he is still standing. As his mother, it has been exhausting and heartbreaking to watch. I am asking for help to get Michael into a decent place—not a shelter, but a room where he can be safe and warm, with utilities like heat and electricity. There is a place nearby in Tennessee where he could finally have stability, and once he has a place, he can get more help from local services, and I can be there to help care for him. Anything you can give would be deeply appreciated, and I know Michael would be so grateful. It's been a long, hard road, and your support could finally help him find stability and hope. Thank you so much for reading and for any help you can offer.