constantSTRUGGLE

PLEASE MEET GIZMO: 

This is our friend Gizmo. He's been homeless for years, was living on Harbor Island in an RV with his dog Happy.

Several weeks ago Gizmo's RV burned to the ground due to a propane leak. Efforts to put the fire out quickly had to be abandoned with Gizmo barely making it out in time. So very sadly his dog Happy did not. I can't imagine the horror.

Gizmo lost most everything. Last week he was able to get another RV off an auto-wrecking-yard in Auburn, affording him a place to sleep and begin over again.

Gizmo's entire life has been one of abrupt change. His mom and dad broke up when we was five. He was raised by his father, who worked for GE as a turbine specialist. They traveled the country, every year a new school for Gizmo.

As we were standing there the neighbor came out and began asking questions. Are you a friend of my next-door neighbor? How come you are parked here? How long will you be here?

I watched Gizmo go into damage control mode, putting on the charm, wanting the person to know he had nothing to be afraid of, that he welcomed the questions, that he was a nice guy and on and on.

It was clear Gizmo had done this routine before, he knew it was an important moment for him. I felt bad about it, watching him work so hard when he had done nothing wrong. In the end, the neighbor seemed satisfied, assured for now that there was not an immediate danger.

Gizmo could really use a 10'x20' tarp and some battery powered hand-tools. For his state of mind, he would love a small television, and if possible, a flute. He smiled extra big when asking about a flute.

If you can help, please sendTO: Facing Homelessness c/o Gizmo 4001 9th Ave NE, Seattle WA 98105. THANKS!!!

You are a goodGOOD man Gizmo. Everyone that knows you is profoundly sorry for your loss. Sending LOVE to you and Happy.

South Park Neighborhood | Rex

A QUIET THOUGHT - If you're moved by the goodness of this community, please visit http://www.facinghomelessness.org/ and click on the 'donate' button and consider a "monthly recurring" donation of just $5 in support of the work. THANK YOU!
#Kindness #JustSayHello #FacingHomelessness Crosscut KING 5

realCHANGE

PLEASE MEET LISA:

"Ever since my dad died at the end of May I've been behind on bills. I thought I was finally catching up, but again not. I've also been cut out of social security and food stamps. When I appealed for food stamps they were going to give me $16 for a whole month. Living in Seattle that goes really quick."

As Lisa shares my heart sinks. I've known her for years, known how hard she tries, known the courage she brings daily to her journey. A past Real Change Vendor of the Year, Lisa's six year anniversary of selling the paper is coming up on November 8th. It's been a way for her to survive AND create community. She shows up at 4th & Union, rain or shine for her customers, greeting everyone with a smile of kindness.

Lisa goes on, saying, "This point in my life I still like to learn new things. I found out my family members have a long line of electricians but there hasn’t been a female. I am waiting to hear back on an apprenticeship program to become one!"

On October 23rd Lisa turns 33 years old. She's $250 behind on her rent, hoping we can surprise her by paying off that burden, I know it would relieve so much stress for her.

UPDATE: The Paypal link has been pulled in that our goal of raising $250 has been reached with $2,184.38 donated, wowWOW!! I know this will allow Lisa to focus on her dream of becoming an electrician! She is going to be blown away by the kindness and support! No funds, as in cash, go directly to Lisa. All funds will be paid directly to her landlord. Also, as is always the case, no funds whatsoever go to Facing Homelessness. So happy for you Lisa Sawyer, this community clearly loveLOVES you!!!

You are BEAUTIFUL Lisa through and through, sending a community size LOVE to you and to all your co-workers at Real Change!!!

South Park neighborhood | Rex

A QUIET THOUGHT - If you're moved by the goodness of this community, please visit http://www.facinghomelessness.org/ and click on the 'donate' button and consider a "monthly recurring" donation of just $5 in support of the work. THANK YOU!
#JustSayHello #Kindness #FacingHomelessness Real Change News RealChange VendorProgram #RealChangeNews