John Needs Funding for Housing: Story Below Pics

The rather frail gentleman you see pictured here in the baggy, blue and white hospital gown is Mr. John Reese. You'll notice that he's holding a comb--this is because he's pretty proud of the salon treatment he just received from a sweet nurse! His hair has been shaped up, and his straggly whiskers are no more!

 

Details of John's story are below, but for those who prefer the short version, the goal of $15,000 is to meet John's need of a place to live, a small wardrobe, and some simple furnishings as needed. The financial need is probably greater than that, but this amount would be a magnificent start!

 

Sadly, for some time, John has called "home" a spot under a bridge in the city of Buford in Gwinnett County, Georgia. John quietly goes about his business each day, which includes venturing to the nearby gas station for his morning coffee. He's quiet, doesn't bother anyone, and when asked about his past, his responses often seem uncertain--as if he's experiencing either some dementia or possibly other mental challenges. John is 74 years of age and has been homeless since losing his wife and daughter; unfortunately, he has no other family.

 

On 10/26/21, while at "home," John was hit by a car and is currently in a local hospital with a broken leg and a few other injuries. Upon further testing, it has been determined that he's in need of hip surgery. After John is all patched up and undergoes at least a bit of rehabilitation, he will desperately need financial support to ensure that he doesn't have to return to his spot under the bridge. He'll need assistance in affording a place to live--a place with a soft bed, warm blankets, and running water--all the things you'd desire any human being to have, particularly a senior citizen who has become weakened by age, injury, and other challenges. Since John currently has nothing but what we wore into the hospital, he'll also need a decent wardrobe and possibly some furnishings, depending on the housing or facility that is appropriate for him.

 

Of course, you may be thinking that government assistance will provide for John's each and every need. At this point in his case, hospital social workers are expressing that he's ineligible for most benefits. They ARE attempting to ensure that he receives any assistance for which he may actually qualify. However, if you've ever dealt with the specifics of government assistance, you know that typically the aid provided is meager compared to the actual need.

 

Lorri and Randy Brown, residents of Buford and part of the Gwinnett County community, have taken it upon themselves to see that John is taken care of after he leaves the hospital. This kindhearted couple reached out to John nine months ago after seeing him day after day under the bridge. Lorri and Randy have taken John meals from their table each evening to make sure he has hot, nutritious food. Equally important, they lovingly befriended him--a friendless man living on the side of the interstate. When they attempted to bring John his dinner several days in a row last week, only to find his spot vacant, they became very concerned, and through numerous inquiries, they learned of John's accident. Now they are tirelessly working on John's behalf in determination that he not return to a cold, dangerous roadside home.

 

Lorri and Randy feel confident that the local Gwinnett County community, and even communities beyond, will desire to do what it can to help John find a new lease on life and to enable him to live his golden years in simple comfort. It's their hope that people will meet and exceed John's need once they are aware of it. Additionally, it is their hope and prayer that John Reese's story, as well as the stories of countless others who have suffered or are enduring hard times, will shine a light on some of the gaps that exist in government assistance, including county assistance.

 

It means so much that you took the time to read about John. Thank you! He has already been told that people are rooting for him, and that news put a smile on his face!

 

Finally, any monies you contribute will be tracked; each dollar spent will be put into a ledger; and an accounting of expenses will be provided to everyone who contributes. Again, thank you for your kindness and generosity!