Avery's Uncle Artie

…and a little child shall lead them… Isaiah 11:6

I have often marveled at how children can see right to the core of a problem and offer a solution. My grandson Avery, who is on the autism spectrum, has difficulty in some areas, but in other areas he exceeds adults. Avery’s 14th birthday is this month. Last year he asked for money for his birthday and Christmas so he could buy an Xbox. Building Lego sets and playing racing games are a great joy for him. I know he has been wanting a racing steering wheel that attaches to the Xbox. Recently we were chatting, and I asked what he would like for his birthday. He only took a second to reply and asked if I could send him a check. I told him that I could do that and asked what he wanted to buy with the money. Again, a quick reply, “I want to give it to Uncle Artie to help him build a house.” I tear up again as I recall what this precious child said.

I am amazed at Avery’s compassion and the heart he has for helping others. Let me introduce you to Avery’s Great-Uncle Artie.

Artie is 62 years old and worked as a plumber until an accident that harmed his lungs. Artie sleeps with the aid of oxygen and a CPAP machine. He also suffers from a spinal issue that could result in paralysis if he injures his spine. As of a few years ago, a heart condition was discovered, and Artie is on medication for this, as well. Artie qualified for SSI and was able to survive on that until a few years ago.

A friend of Artie’s had a trailer on his property and allowed Artie to live there paying $250 rent. He was content with living there. Unfortunately, the owner died leaving a wife who was also unhealthy. She sold the property and Artie had no alternative but to move to a small lot that had been in his family for years. Here he lived in a pop-up camper until he was gifted a small camper. (August 2022)

Artie continues to live in this camper without septic, an active well, or electricity. He uses propane to cook and for heat. He has a generator to run his oxygen and CPAP machine, refrigerator, lights, and a fan. He receives a box of food monthly from the League of Older Americans and gets food from the local food bank.

A tiny house or mobile home would need to be HUD approved and meet Botetourt County requirements. Artie has been in touch with numerous agencies to assist him in getting a septic tank and/or a small mobile home or a tiny house. These agencies include:

League of Older Americans (LOA): they assist with a food box monthly; Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): cannot assist because Artie owns the land; Habitat for Humanity: which explained that they do not work in his area nor with people who own their own property; Homeless Assistance Team (HAT) in Roanoke referred him to the Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project Inc (SERCAP). It was recommended that he apply for a grant or a loan on the land. He is in the process of doing that, but he may not get either and if he does, it would be after January 1; Lawyers with the American with Disabilities ACT said they cannot help; Legal Aid officials said the same; Botetourt County Health Department: Artie had previously been told that he could not install a septic system due to the lay of the land and with the creek running through it. Then a person from the health department visited Artie to look at the land and figured out a way that a septic system could work. Artie paid to have the land perked by a soil engineer. He was told the cost to put in the required septic system would be $15,000+. Money which he does not have.

Avery is aware of Artie’s needs and is always looking for ways to help others. It takes a very special person to want to forgo a birthday gift for himself and instead ask for money to help someone in need. With a heart like Avery’s, I am sure he will continue to be “a child that leads them”.

If able, please join me in following Avery’s lead. I know that any amount would be appreciated as Avery tries to provide his Uncle Artie with a home and security. Thank you.