09/07/2023
https://gofund.me/fa656c53
Hi! My name is Sofia and I work with Self Help Hunger program in North Oakland. I am raising funds for our volunteer Rey Blanco who was a victim of a horrific act of violence. While helping us keep the park clean, he was brutally attacked without reason, pushed down while two people jumped on him, breaking his leg. He underwent surgery and is now recovering. He has a metal rod to put back together the shattered tibia and fibula.
To add insult to injury, he is currently waiting to get into housing. The process is so hard and lengthy and requires him to go weekly in front of the housing authority at the early hours of the morning, just to be kept on the waiting list. Despite pain and swelling, he's been going weekly, hoping to receive approval for his housing soon.
Meanwhile, with his foot bandaged, in pain (because he refuses the addictive pain medication) he sleeps in his car. Only few days was he able to get a hotel room to get over the hard days after the surgery. Self Help continues to support him as much as possible, but he desperately needs shelter and basic income to see him though the lengthy recovery.
I want to share a few things about Rey.
We met him when he joined out volunteer cleaning team. He showed up the day he promised to come and worked 8 hours straight. Cleaned up the entire park, the produce stand. He also trimmed the grass, picked up trash, broke down the cardboard. In his free time, he cut the hair of whoever needed it. For free.
He is a barber by trade. Also a landscaper and a driver. He also works as a security guard for a housing complex. He has a podcast inspiring young people for a second chance. He has workout exercises. He does volunteer cleanups in San Francisco and Oakland. He is very friendly and helps out whenever anyone needs anything in his power. He struggles himself but never gives up. While in severe pain after the attack, he kept in touch with the entire Self Help Community every day, reassuring us that he is ok. He sends daily pics of him smiling, despite pain, homelessness, or lack of development in his housing situation.
I am reaching out to you to help see him through this terrible accident. To make sure he keeps his wonderful positive attitude while being supported.
Here's an article about Rey from a few years back, mirroring the same positive attitude:
https://www.kqed.org/news/11740476/is-a-big-ticket-plan-to-help-californias-community-college-students-worth-the-cost
Hi! My name is Sofia and I work with Self Help Hunger program in North Oakla… Minha Galera needs your support for Help Rey with basic needs until he recovers
