At 73, He Was Facing Homelessness. Then the Community Stepped In.
Just weeks ago, Dale did not know where he would be sleeping from one night to the next.
Today, at 73 years old, he has a key to his own apartment.
Dale had been living with and caring for his sister until she was placed in a nursing home earlier this year. After that transition, he found himself without stable housing. He was also grieving the loss of his brother last July. With limited income from SSI and no long-term housing arrangement in place, he had been staying in motels while trying to figure out what came next.
His situation came to light after Chase Swartz shared his story publicly. What followed was something few could have predicted.
A GoFundMe campaign was launched to help cover immediate needs and work toward permanent housing. Donations began coming in quickly. According to updates from the organizer, more than $4,500 was raised from over 100 donors.
Those funds made tangible changes in real time. Hotel stays were covered so Dale would not have to face the cold. Once approved for an apartment, donations helped cover the first month’s rent, last month’s rent, and the security deposit. Utility setup costs and basic necessities were also addressed.
Move-in day marked a major turning point.
The apartment started nearly empty. A mattress was placed directly on the floor. A donated television and lamp provided light and a sense of normalcy in a quiet space. It was not fully furnished, but it was his.
In the days that followed, the community continued to show up. Kitchen supplies arrived through Amazon shipments. The microwave was set up. Bedding, hygiene products, and clothing were donated. A box spring was secured. Supporters helped stock the apartment with the items most people take for granted.
Clothing needs identified in updates included medium shirts, jeans around size 30×31, socks, underwear, and size 9 shoes. Monetary donations continue to be directed toward rent, utilities, and giving Dale some financial breathing room as he adjusts to this new chapter.
The GoFundMe remains active for those who wish to contribute at https://gofund.me/bc837b91a.
Details about Dale’s longer-term plans have not been publicly shared at this time. What is clear, however, is that a man who once felt uncertain about where he would sleep now has stability, dignity, and a place to call home.
What began as one person choosing to listen has become a reminder of what can happen when a community decides to act.