06/19/2026
🩵 A couple of weeks ago we helped host a small memorial for a formerly unhoused friend. Nurse Lynn and other COMAC folks had helped support our friend Doug through his unhoused journey, as well as an intense health journey, for a few years, along with his friend Nelson. Your contributions helped us help them move from survival mode to thriving, until Doug's health took another turn for the worse. We sent Doug off with the he deserved.
If you'd like to help us support friends like Doug, please consider contributing to our campaign. https://givebutter.com/c/catch-the-community-summer-2026-u6bxuo
REST IN LOVE, DOUG...
💛 From Nurse Lynn:
Doug grew up in the Joplin, Mo area. Doug & his sister were both adopted, though she has passed away. He used to tell me stories about his adopted Mom & Dad and how he loved them . His Mom had a good sense of humor and would keep him in line. Doug would share stories about how, as a teenager, he would borrow his mom’s car and drive the main strip in Joplin all night long. He worked as an auto mechanic and enjoyed working on cars. He always dreamed of buying a big house here in Columbia and opening it up for homeless to have a place to live & sleep. Nelson has been his best friend for many years and always had each other’s back. Nelson & Doug lived at Paquin towers with their dog “Toby” for the last couple years. They would stay up at night and play Nintendo. Doug always made others feel special and if he saw someone with a beautiful smile he would make sure you knew! He made many others day saying “did you know you have a beautiful smile”.
I met Doug & Nelson in 2022 through COMO Mobile Aid. I was able to get to know him better and support him as he went through his Cancer journey. He was always very positive during the challenging time and knew he was in good hands. Doug had a beautiful soul and was always thankful for the friendship and support we shared over the years; as I was.
🧡 From Nurse Gayle:
My messages from Doug always started out with “Hello, Dear.” He always made you feel like the most important person in the room and was the epitome of feeling grateful for every interaction and moment in life. He never took for granted any kindnesses towards himself, and never forgot to thank and point out what an amazing person you were and why when you were in his presence. He is the only person to ever give hospital meals 5 stars! A the cancer clinic, all of the infusion nurses and the medical staff that took care of him had kind words about Doug. Despite everything he went through I am positive he would give his life 5 stars. ⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
