Dreamlander & Artist George Figgs Needs a Roof

Hi! I'm raising money to help our dear friend, original John Waters Dreamlander and Baltimore artist/ icon: George Figgs. George needs help to repair his leaking roof and to avoid losing his home of 20 years.

The multi-talented Figgs starred in many of John's films over the years, once owned and operated the landmark Orpheum Theater in Baltimore, MD, and is a painter. If you're a John Waters fan, you'll remember Figgs from his roles as Jesus Christ in Multiple Maniacs, Dribbles from Female Trouble, or as Herbert the nudist garbage collector in Desperate Living.

George needs our help. The 19th-century home George occupies is in dire need of a roof repair, which will cost an estimated $10,000. Without this repair, rain comes through the roof and floods his home, damaging his art and creating additional health/ safety hazards. Hear what George has to say about the situation below.

I've been living here for 20 years, at first as a renter, then 10 years ago I assumed the mortgage and worked out a deal with the owner to pay the insurance and the property taxes in a "bundle" that I could afford. The house had an ancient growth of Virginia Creeper climbing up and covering half of the roof and beginning to "eat" the house. So I, with great difficulty I removed the vine and then borrowed $3,000 to patch the roof where the vines had been. The following year the roof began to leak. I got the "roofer" back but apparently the torrential rains and wind storms of Climate Change had taken their toll. I applied to the City for help but got lost in the tangled urban, bureaucratic nightmare on a waiting list. More catastrophic weather and my rain spouts came down. With this latest development my neighbors reported me to the City, who gave me violation notices with impending fines, prompting the mortgage holder to want to sell the house unless I can fix the roof. If they sell I am out of luck because my "bundled" deal was affordable but today's rents would leave me, my dog Buddy and my cat Esmeralda out in the street.

George lives on a fixed income and can't afford to make the repair or to secure the credit to do it on his own. Without this repair, George will have to give up his home of 20 years. With winter coming, let's help this Baltimore/ Dreamlander icon patch his roof so he, his dog Buddy, and cat Esmerelda can stay warm, dry, and safely housed.

Images of the water damage:

This last image is taken directly above Figgs' bed; when it rains he has to cover it with a tarp to keep the bed from being ruined.

Sweet Buddy and Esmerelda say THANKS!

Follow George on Twitter for progress on the repair and updates on Buddy, Esmerelda, art, and all things cinema-related! Thank you so very much for your support! 100% of donated funds will go to George.