A fund for Joe's well-being and comfort

Hello friends of Joe!

Approximately two years ago a GoFundMe page for Joe raised over $3,000 and those funds helped him enormously. Thank you so very much. With the funds we were able to secure him a new, dependable phone and pay the monthly bill; provide him food, propane, charcoal, medications, medical bills, and various pieces of equipment so that he could continue to live safely in the place of his choice -- Stewart Camp.

As of summer of 2024, he's doing reasonably well. He is still in the camp, welcoming visitors and generally managing his own care, which includes cooking some days and eating warm food that friends have cooked for him on other days. And yet, despite his resilience and positivity, his overall health has declined with age. At the moment, he is navigating specific medical challenges that threaten his ability to walk and feel his hands and feet, and for the next 2-3 months he'll be facing very hot weather.

Approximately $100 remains in his account and during the hottest months of summer we anticipate that he may need to move into an extended stay hotel for a week here and there. We're keeping a close eye on forecasts and we speak/text with him/see several times a week.

Below is the description of Joe we used for the GoFundMe page in two years ago. Everything we wrote about this wonderful man then is true today, so most of the remaining words will look familiar :). If you can possibly contribute again, please do so and please also consider passing this along to other folks who know Joe or may summon the compassion to assist financially. Thank you for your consideration!

Thanks, friends!

-The Herbert-Roberts family & Hearn-Harrison family

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Most everyone would describe Joe A. as an eternally generous, joyful, and sage man who has taught us significant lessons about how much our experience in life depends on our perception of it. We can sometimes forget how lucky we are to have such a beautiful friend in our lives, and then we visit him, reconnect, and come away, shaking our heads at his fortitude and wisdom.

This page represents a fundraising effort to support Joe during the months ahead. Across the three decades we've known him, he has lived very humbly, growing much of his food and sheltering in a location with no running water, electricity, or HVAC. This year, he's facing questions about his ability to remain a resident of "the camp", given his declining health and age. The physical challenges of splitting wood, walking to the street for supplies, and cooking are at points overwhelming him, especially when it gets cold. Therefore, we are seeking to pool our resources to support him.

The total amount needed to get Joe through the next year is estimated at $2,000. Funds will be managed by Elizabeth and Tim. Those who bring Joe food regularly and cover his phone bill will continue to do so, although we also welcome volunteers to make trips to the camp.

We have three requests of Joe's supporters:

(1) Please consider donating, no matter the size. If for any reason, the funds we raise cannot be used for their intended purpose, we'll circle back around to each donor to reconsider their use.

(2) Let us know if you'd like to join the team of folks visiting him regularly to provide social support and supplies.

(3) If you know of an appropriate apartment/living space, please get in touch with Elizabeth at [email redacted]. His requests/needs are minimal: privacy within his own bedroom, a small kitchen area--hot plate and mini-fridge are adequate--, HVAC and electricity, easy access to the outdoors without requiring the use of stairs, and a bathroom.