Let's Help Michael Stay off of the Streets!

At age 14, while attending Thousand Oaks High School, Michael’s mother died. He and his brother went to live with their Grandmother. Not too long after Michael’s High School graduation, their Grandmother died. Their apartment was rented and they soon became homeless and went their separate ways. Michael was on the streets for 4 years, occasionally finding a bed at a shelter or motel.

As I was driving down Westlake Boulevard one morning in 2014, I saw Michael. He looked like an ordinary kid crossing Thousand Oaks Boulevard. He was wearing a pair of pants, a t-shirt, a pair of sneakers and a backpack. I thought maybe he was on his way home from Westlake High until I saw him being given money by a person in a car at the red light. I don’t know why but I decided to pull into the gas station to park. I approached Michael and asked him how he was doing and what was going on. He told me the above. He was not almost 24. He was raising money so he could stay in a motel that night instead of under a bridge, on a bench or, on the ground somewhere. We chatted and it was decided that I would drive him to the motel in Newbury Park. He got checked in, we went and got some food, some toiletries and clothes and I was on my way. We agreed to stay in touch and exchanged phone numbers. In the following days, a few of my friends, and I, found him a place to live, a job and a bike to get to that job. He lived in that home and remained at that job for the next 5 years. Unfortunately, the lovely elderly couple with whom he lived, died. The family sold the house. Rather than become homeless again, Michael and his brother (who had a job and room), decided to move to Texas. They were there for 2 years, both had jobs and an apartment. Earlier this year, however, Michael woke up one morning to find his brother on the couch, dead! He had a heart attack. Following a brief stay at his aunt’s house, which did not go well, he again became homeless but had enough money to survive in a motel for a while because he had a job. He wanted and needed to be back in California to survive, as it is the place that he knows, having grown up here. In addition, the social services system is a tad better.

We got him back here a little more than a week ago. He is in a Motel, looking for a permanent residence and a job (it appears that he may have a full-time job with benefits this week). Some of my friends have contributed money. One may have a bike available. We are getting him clothes and other necessities as we speak.

Michael just turned 32. He is a good, honest, hard-working young man. He will get a job and he will find a place to live. Right now, he needs our help and that mostly takes money. Whatever you can give without causing a hardship, would be much appreciated. $10, $20, $50, $100. This is not a handout. It’s a Hand Up! And it will not go to waste. Please use the link below. Thank you!