Help for Dorian Shaky

Since the pandemic forced the world to pause in 2020, Dorian Pemble-Belkin has been struggling to keep up with his rent, along with all the other challenges life has thrown his way over the last three years. Dorian was born with several disorders including spinal bifida and benign genetic tremors, which have earned him his trademark nickname "Shaky."

Right now, Dorian desperately needs our help. Dorian has exhausted all attempts to make payments for the past nine months to the third and latest owner of the apartment complex, while seeking help from every available resource and friend in his home state Oregon.

The rental property management company refuses to accept, consider, or negotiate a payment plan. To get back on track and simply make ends meet, the management company is demanding the amount owed in full: $9,857.25. This does not include court costs and attorney fees for counsel he seeks in his case.

This back payment issue has only added to the stress Dorian already faces on top of his disabilities. His apartment is his sanctuary, home, and safe space to live in chronic pain, and has been for the past seven years. However, due to the high turnover in property owners and their neglect during this time, many basic building repairs and maintenance have gone unattended. Today, Dorian lives in an apartment complex where bathrooms are infested with black mold and the kitchen stove lacks proper ventilation, simply venting into a hole in the cabinets. The stairs leading to the apartment pose a danger to everyone, including able-bodied individuals.

After taking into consideration what it would take to get Dorian’s home back to a healthy, safe, habitat, we estimate that he would need $15,000.00 to cover the necessary expenses, including hiring a lawyer for the court costs and the back pay lawsuit against the apartment complex. Any amount of support would go a long way in helping Shaky find a better path, reducing his stress, and preventing him from possibly becoming homeless.