01/16/2018
Dear Facebook friends, I need help. (Stop the snickering in the back of the room!) I have been doing a lot of work for seniors in Monroe. The Senior Center and the Town Social Worker have referred various cases to me over the last few years. They are usually, but not always, pro bono matters. I can usually help. Unfortunately, right now, I have 2 that I have done all I can for and they still are facing homelessness. Both lost their homes in foreclosures and neither has sufficient income to purchase another home.
What I am looking for, basically, are ideas. There is a man and a woman. They are unrelated matters.
She is in her 70’s and does have minimal employment and can probably afford an inexpensive apartment if one can be found. She also has a small “motor home” that is in disrepair. I believe the engine is OK but it needs tires and a battery and is unregistered and uninsured. I have clients that are capable of making the repairs. I’m hoping to raise enough money to get it on the road so she isn’t stuck without safe shelter.
He is in his mid fifties and unable to do strenuous work due to injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. (He did not receive any funds for his injuries and the Statute of Limitations has long since passed.) He has some mechanical skills and a small amount of money I am administering for him but, again, nowhere to live. He is living in a Days Inn at the moment but that will deplete his resources pretty quickly. I’d like to find him a room to rent before the money runs out and at least minimal employment.
They both have running automobiles.
Let me be very clear, this is not a plea for money. It is a plea for ideas and resources that I can call on to help people like this. Right now it is only these two but there have been others (and they have been able to secure shelter). I’m sure there will be more in the future. I have learned that there are woefully few services available to people like this in the Monroe area and I do not believe that the answer to every situation like this is to send them to the facilities available in Bridgeport. I’m not criticizing Bridgeport or the various opportunities available there for people in situations like this but they are underfunded and overcrowded and I believe the surrounding towns need to step up and do something for their citizens. They were happy to accept these people’s tax payments when they could afford to make them.
Thank you for reading this and please send any ideas and suggestions to me either through Facebook or my email, [email protected]. Of course, money would be acceptable too but that is not the purpose of this diatribe, AND, any money would have to be categorized as a gift. I do not have a non-profit corporation that can confirm the charitable status of any donations.
Again, thanks for listening,
Mike Sohon
