I'm raising money for furniture so I can replace the items destroyed by flooding in my apartment**.

Why I'm using HandUp for furniture.

I lost everything in my apartment in December of 2017 due to a flood caused by an upstairs neighbor. The flooding from upstairs made contact with the asbestos popcorn in the ceiling and all of my belongings were contaminated. I lost everything. It would have cost more to clean everything than dispose of it and replace it. I was relocated by the landlord for four months because my apartment was inhabitable. Now I'm back in my apartment, starting over, but my living room is empty and I have no furniture.

** NOTE TO DONORS: We value your donations, and respect your intention to support people in need with their specific fundraising goals. On occasion, the immediate needs or an emergency may arise, and a Participant might require support in another way for safety, health, housing, or employment. As such, your donation may be used for an immediate basic need not mentioned in the above goal, such as groceries, health costs, or housing support. Any changes will always be approved in advance by PHC Staff. We will provide up to date information on how these funds are being used through an update on HandUp. By making a donation to this campaign, you are confirming your approval of this potential change. If you have any questions, or do not wish that your donation be used for any alternative goals, please contact PHC staff directly.

We greatly appreciate your support to our Participants!

About me.

I was raised in Alabama, lived in New Mexico, and joined the Navy. I moved to San Diego for basic training. I served at the Concord Weapons Station and did a tour in Vietnam. After I got out of the Navy, I worked in the shipyard in Vallejo. I met my daughter's mother in 1971. I moved to San Francisco in 1973. I raised my daughter and son in San Francisco's Bayview Hunters Point. I worked and went to school. I attended City College and San Francisco State through the Upward Bound program for veterans. I worked at Sears from 1979 to 1986. For the last 16 years, I've been doing volunteer work in the Bayview with food bank activities. As a volunteer, I support families with kids in getting access to food, clothing, diapers, and other supplies.

My backstory.

Because of the flooding that happened in my apartment, I have no furniture and lost most of my belongings. I haven't been able to be comfortable in my home or invite friends or family over. Furniture is expensive and I don't have the funds to purchase any. Through my renters' insurance, I was able to purchase a bed, but that was the only thing that was covered. I am experiencing financial hardship. I've done everything I can to find out what my rights are in this situation. But I have been in survival mode, trying to get back to my place and replace my belongings.

My goals, moving forward.

My goal is to get back to where I once was - to be comfortable and not all stressed out. I take my medication everyday so I don't get depressed. My goal is to get myself back together so I can branch out and help others get back on their feet.

Other things I'd like to share about myself.

Putting smiles on peoples' faces makes me happiest -- and going fishing. My son is 37 and two years ago he got his BA from SF State University. I have a grandson that just graduated from high school and got a scholarship for UCLA for four years. My grandson set a few records running track for school. He got athlete of the year. I am very proud of them.