I'm raising money for basic needs so I can continue to use my RV as shelter while I transition into housing.

Couper

Why I'm using HandUp for my basic needs.

I'm using hand up as a platform to fund raise to keep shelter over my head, I use my RV for shelter and transportation to keep me safe. I don't like staying in shelters and hotel rooms are to expensive, my RV helps me to hold on to my dignity as I work to get housing and I am also an advocate of the homeless although I'm homeless myself, so I understand the importance of giving back.

About me.

I'm a disabled firefighter. I was injured on the job and haven't been able to go back to work. I've lived in San Francisco on and off for the past 25 years. I volunteer 5-6 nights a week at the women's drop-in center in San Francisco. Since I can't work at the moment, I try to give back to women that are homeless. I'm a homeless advocate, helping make sure that the police and city workers abide by the laws set forth by the City during removal of encampments. Sometimes what homeless people on the streets own is the last of what they have left on this earth, and when the police have their stuff destroyed, it can break someone's spirit and cause them to lose hope. That's why I do what I do.

My backstory.

My ex-wife and I split up about four years ago. She works for one of the biggest law firms in the country and I lost everything. From that I went from friends' houses to hotels to couches, and found myself without money and living on the street. It's rough, cold and scary on the streets. It's hard to do anything when you're homeless because people judge you so much. It's hard to stay clean, keep your clothes washed. People say, "you don't look homeless" and I say, "what does homeless look like?" I'm starting this Hand Up profile so I can be inside in a safe, clean environment away from the elements.

My goals, moving forward.

Once I'm able to be safe inside, I'm probably going to run for mayor at some point. I see a lot of things, I interact with city leaders on a daily basis. There are so many things happening that are not okay. I think there needs to be consequences for peoples' behavior. We need a San Francisco that cares, loves and is honest with its residents. I see myself being more involved in the community, helping us fix our homeless issues we are facing in San Francisco.

Other things I'd like to share about myself.

What makes me happy is when I can make other people smile, make other people happy. I'm a Pisces, a very emotional person, so making someone's day makes my day.

One of my proudest moments is when I became a firefighter and graduated from the academy. That was an amazing time because I'm a kid from the ghetto and I never expected to do anything that amazing in my life.