Brian Freeman Campaign
Donation protected
This is his story from Next Door:
, .. , .. , ? Certain individuals, more than others, can't help but catch our attention as we make our way, up and down U.S.1. One such person is an older-looking gentleman, riding his flag-covered bike and who is known to be the person who has been picking up and bagging litter on both sides of the highway. Incidentally, he really isn't that old but living on the streets, for years, tends to make one look a lot older than what he or she really is. Meet Brian Freeman, aka "The Cleaner", age 41, https://tulsaworld.com/news/local/homeless-mans-work-as-the-cleaner-puts-him-on-right-side-of-law/article_4758845f-d6ff-5e4b-b706-6e5e1338c545.html At the time of this article, July 2017, Brian had been living in Tulsa for the last 6 years. How he ended up making the news was that for a week, police noticed bags upon bags of trash, lined up along the main roads, unaware of who was responsible. So, when Tulsa Police Sgt Parsons located the individual responsible, Brian told the Sgt that he wanted to set a good example for himself and his son, as he had previously messed up his life, with drugs. He didn't believe in pan-handling, stating that he would continue to clean up the litter for free until he was able to secure a job. He also stated that"his biggest wish was to reunite with his 17-year-old son, who he hadn’t seen for almost two years. He said a life of crime and drugs kept him out of the picture." https://www.fox23.com/news/homeless-tulsa-man-reunited-with-son-after-years-apart/623373255/ Three months after the July interview, Brian got his wish. It is unclear when Brian Freeman moved to St Augustine, FL but eventually, upon arrival, he resumed his dedication to beautify parts of St Augustine with his collection and bagging of litter. His identity was made known when citizens in St Augustine spoke to him, either to compliment his work and/or to give him some money to replenish his supply of bags and give him a helping hand. This story was brought to light on the Facebook Page, "The St Augustine News", 2 days ago, https://www.facebook.com/groups/StAugustineNews/permalink/3416081348500295/ when a member inquired as to why there were so many filled garbage bags, lining parts of U.S.1, between Walmart and Wildwood Drive. Other members shared their personal encounters with Brian, noting that most times, when he wasn't gathering up litter, he could be found at the Circle K, on the corner of Wildwood Drive and U.S.1. One member stated, "My husband spoke to him recently and he said it’s the way he has decided he can make a difference." Only high praises were given for Brian's hard work. It's a shame that not one of the local papers (The Record, Historic City News, Florida News Line, Folio Weekly, St Augustine Social) picked up on this story.
The funds will be used to help him with any essentials he may need.
Ideally someone will give him a chance to work and get a roof over his head.
His work is inspirational and we can show our appreciation this way.
, .. , .. , ? Certain individuals, more than others, can't help but catch our attention as we make our way, up and down U.S.1. One such person is an older-looking gentleman, riding his flag-covered bike and who is known to be the person who has been picking up and bagging litter on both sides of the highway. Incidentally, he really isn't that old but living on the streets, for years, tends to make one look a lot older than what he or she really is. Meet Brian Freeman, aka "The Cleaner", age 41, https://tulsaworld.com/news/local/homeless-mans-work-as-the-cleaner-puts-him-on-right-side-of-law/article_4758845f-d6ff-5e4b-b706-6e5e1338c545.html At the time of this article, July 2017, Brian had been living in Tulsa for the last 6 years. How he ended up making the news was that for a week, police noticed bags upon bags of trash, lined up along the main roads, unaware of who was responsible. So, when Tulsa Police Sgt Parsons located the individual responsible, Brian told the Sgt that he wanted to set a good example for himself and his son, as he had previously messed up his life, with drugs. He didn't believe in pan-handling, stating that he would continue to clean up the litter for free until he was able to secure a job. He also stated that"his biggest wish was to reunite with his 17-year-old son, who he hadn’t seen for almost two years. He said a life of crime and drugs kept him out of the picture." https://www.fox23.com/news/homeless-tulsa-man-reunited-with-son-after-years-apart/623373255/ Three months after the July interview, Brian got his wish. It is unclear when Brian Freeman moved to St Augustine, FL but eventually, upon arrival, he resumed his dedication to beautify parts of St Augustine with his collection and bagging of litter. His identity was made known when citizens in St Augustine spoke to him, either to compliment his work and/or to give him some money to replenish his supply of bags and give him a helping hand. This story was brought to light on the Facebook Page, "The St Augustine News", 2 days ago, https://www.facebook.com/groups/StAugustineNews/permalink/3416081348500295/ when a member inquired as to why there were so many filled garbage bags, lining parts of U.S.1, between Walmart and Wildwood Drive. Other members shared their personal encounters with Brian, noting that most times, when he wasn't gathering up litter, he could be found at the Circle K, on the corner of Wildwood Drive and U.S.1. One member stated, "My husband spoke to him recently and he said it’s the way he has decided he can make a difference." Only high praises were given for Brian's hard work. It's a shame that not one of the local papers (The Record, Historic City News, Florida News Line, Folio Weekly, St Augustine Social) picked up on this story.
The funds will be used to help him with any essentials he may need.
Ideally someone will give him a chance to work and get a roof over his head.
His work is inspirational and we can show our appreciation this way.
Organizer
John Pellegrino
Organizer
St. Augustine, FL