Spread the Love #Tarecsfreshstart
Donation protected
In the months since sharing Tarec's story, the response has been inspiring. Over a million people have read the story on Quora. Hundreds of thousands of people have liked, shared, and commented on Facebook, Instagram, and Reddit. I owe a special shout out to Grace Keh for sharing the story with Frank Summerville from KTVU Fox. Once Frank posted it on his Facebook, I saw firsthand what "going viral" looks like.
Let that sink in for a minute.
People from all over the world now know Tarec's story because of social media and the power of love. This story has found its way into the hearts of so many regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, nationality, political views, or class. By caring about Tarec's story, YOU proved love transcends all.
Let that sink in for a minute.
The love and concern that strangers have shown a man they'll probably never meet is beyond words. I recently spent an evening with Tarec reading your comments to him. I wish you could've seen his face light up. To say your words mean the world to him would be a vast understatement. For a man that has practically nothing the sense of pride and importance that YOU have given him can't ever be taken away.
So now the tough part. How is Tarec doing?
Well.
So now the tough part. How is Tarec doing?
Well.
He still lives in a tent next to highway 101 in Marin City. The rain has made life even tougher for Tarec. He still spends most of his days alone or hanging out at Starbucks. The employees and customers treat him well. It's hard not to. The warmth in this guy's heart is palpable.
As for the job. Safeway did indeed offer Tarec a job and we celebrated that news with ice cream. I thought we had a happy ending and a new beginning for Tarec. I was wrong. I failed and I truly apologize if anyone feels misled. With that said, TOGETHER we have an opportunity to write a happy ending and give Tarec a new shot at life.
In retrospect, I didn't fully understand the impossible nature of having and keeping a job with no place to call home. In an effort to find Tarec a home, I visited Homeward Bound and met with their executive director, Mary Kay Sweeney, a real life angel. She taught me "a healthy home is the foundation for a prosperous life".
We've come full circle.
Tarec is still homeless and jobless, but not hopeless. And because of YOU neither am I. I can't emphasize this enough. The thousands of comments and messages I have received over the past few months has inspired me to finish what I started. Change a man's life. Now with thousands of my closest friends, we can accomplish that together.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your kindness and support.
"Life is hard. Be nice to people." - Alex Rayburn
"Be the change you wish to see." - Mahatma Gandhi
Here is how the $25,000 will be used:
$10,000 - $12,000: 12 months of rent pre-paid
$1,000 - $2,000: turns a house/appt. into a home
$1,500 - $2,000: 12 months of utility bills
$1,000 - $1,500: groceries, clothes, and spending money
The additional $8,000+ will be placed into a checking/savings account under Tarec's name.
I'll be creating a facebook page for Tarec where we will provide bi-weekly updates. Everything will be documented and shared through facebook. Transparency and authenticity are two words that I live by.
If you are a Real Estate Broker or Agent in Marin County and would like to help Tarec find his new home, please email me at [email redacted] with the subject line Housing for Tarec.
If you would like to donate, clothes, kitchen or bath items, gift cards, etc. please email me at [email redacted] with the subject line Donations for Tarec.
Tarec is still homeless and jobless, but not hopeless. And because of YOU neither am I. I can't emphasize this enough. The thousands of comments and messages I have received over the past few months has inspired me to finish what I started. Change a man's life. Now with thousands of my closest friends, we can accomplish that together.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your kindness and support.
"Life is hard. Be nice to people." - Alex Rayburn
"Be the change you wish to see." - Mahatma Gandhi
Here is how the $25,000 will be used:
$10,000 - $12,000: 12 months of rent pre-paid
$1,000 - $2,000: turns a house/appt. into a home
$1,500 - $2,000: 12 months of utility bills
$1,000 - $1,500: groceries, clothes, and spending money
The additional $8,000+ will be placed into a checking/savings account under Tarec's name.
I'll be creating a facebook page for Tarec where we will provide bi-weekly updates. Everything will be documented and shared through facebook. Transparency and authenticity are two words that I live by.
If you are a Real Estate Broker or Agent in Marin County and would like to help Tarec find his new home, please email me at [email redacted] with the subject line Housing for Tarec.
If you would like to donate, clothes, kitchen or bath items, gift cards, etc. please email me at [email redacted] with the subject line Donations for Tarec.
Organizer and beneficiary
Adam August
Organizer
Sausalito, CA
Tarec Atkinson
Beneficiary