Alan was in a near deadly head-on Collison (video of similar accident) while driving his elderly mother from Florida to NY. A drunk driver hit his car head on, throwing his mother out of their 1997 Suburban. They ended up in a South Georgia hospital. Alan's mother passed not long after. His brain injury coupled with facial reconstructive surgery caused neurological issues, making employment impossible.
The attorney Alan used to sue the drunk driver stole the settlement money and Alan was unable to pursue him due to his health issues from the accident.
Subsequently, he ended up having to find section 8 housing in a building in upstate New York. The landlord there has failed to reliably provide heat in the winter and air in the summer. Alan purchased 2 small heating units for the Common Room where the residents would be able to sit and/or sleep during the subzero winter nights. The landlord confiscated the heaters. Sidewalks and outdoor stairs are not de-iced causing treacherous conditions for the residents.
The landlord steals packages from the residents and does not abide by laws governing section 8 housing, e.g., smoking is prohibited but tobacco and cannabis smoke are regularly present. When I visited Alan, I was overwhelmed by the magnitude of its smell. Residents are fearful to speak out. But from what I witnessed and from the stories Alan tells and from the residents I met, the landlord is corrupt. The landlord tried to have him placed in a facility when Alan complained about the conditions.
Alan has tried to get help from government agencies. They assigned Alan to 3rd party social service companies. These agencies & social service companies failed to assist Alan in receiving the benefits he is legally allowed to receive. Per example, Alan is entitled to a "Housing Waiver" that would pay 66% of his rent which he has not received.
Subsequently, he was unable to keep up with his rent. The landlord took Alan to court. The court gave Alan only two (2) weeks to come up with $7,500.00 now, in 10 days and another $7,500 by the end of November, our friend Alan will be evicted from his apartment. The eviction would terminate the social services he is entitled to, ( but has yet to receive).
Alan is a 72-year-old very sweet man. He has no family to turn to for help. He is a good person, helping others with advice and moral support. Our dear friend faces homelessness in just a few weeks should he not be able to raise money for the landlord that continually breaks Landlord-Tenant obligations. The word that comes to my mind is - they are corrupt.
In short, if Alan is evicted, not only will he be homeless, but he will also lose the benefits of receiving housing assistance he is entitled to -reduced rent, linens and towels, etc. (A benefit that Alan did receive was a bed. But it took six (6) years for them to deliver. I was unaware Alan was sleeping on the floor.)
In a time when non-citizens are receiving American taxpayers’ money that Alan is entitled but can't access, let's make this right for a fellow God-fearing American citizen.
With heartfelt appreciation for everyone who donates to keep Alan in his apartment so that he can finally receive the social services and that will ensure his future needs. Sincerely and with gratitude, David Bogart
