Help Craig Get A Second Chance At Success

Craig Dean is organizing this fundraiser.

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My name is Craig Dean. I am a father and returning citizen coming home from 24 years of incarceration.

I am effectively homeless due I went to prison at the tender age of 17 and l’m now 41 years old. My parents and immediate family passed away during my time incarcerated. Currently, I have nowhere stable to stay. I have no way of getting around, no bus pass, clothing, or groceries.

In my time coming home from prison, despite struggling financially, I have been doing everything I can to give back. I have been volunteering with food distributions to feed our community, and have been talking to our youth about gun violence. I am seeking a career in public speaking around gun violence.

Since I have been home the State of Florida, Florida Department of Corrections, and other social service agencies that have promised assistance, have yet to deliver any. Florida State Statue Chapter 33 states that individuals incarcerated in the state of Florida are required to receive at least 50 dollars upon release. This was not the case for me. I received zero dollars, or assistance from the state or other agencies upon returning home. The only organization that has remotely assisted me has been Re-Entry One Inc. I was provided work clothes to start my trucking career and was able to give back to my community by volunteering with the Re-Entry Team.

Currently, after attending trucking school for 30 days, I am effectively in debt of $8,000. As I am waiting for truck-driving employers to give me an opportunity, the fact remains I am still effectively homeless, and in debt.

I am looking for assistance with my second chance at success. I am looking for a dentist to remove the gold on my teeth so I can create a new image. I am also looking for assistance with housing, clothing, transportation and groceries as I am struggling every day to get around.

It would be a blessing and an honor to receive any assistance from the community I am serving. A donation of any kind is accepted and appreciated. Thank you all for taking the time to read my story, and considering donating.