Oct 18, 2010

Help Pedro Find a Home

Pedro receiving hygiene product donations
in his neighbor's yard, where he also picks up
the daily lunch we bring him. Pedro spends
most of his day sitting on the curb or waiting
in his neighbor's yard because he does not
want to stay in his cramped, uncomfortable
room.
We have already introduced Pedro Hulahu, one of our dearest Elderly Care Program members. As explained, Pedro is a sweet, soft-spoken 75-year-old man. He lives alone in the corner of a rundown shed, a cramped and miserable place surrounded by piles of garbage and recycling, some as tall as 8 feet. The ground about the shed is littered with broken glass and plastic, and the actual area that Pedro has is tiny; there are fewer than 3 square feet of free space.

Entrance to Pedro's home
Photo of Pedro's tiny room from the
entrance. There are fewer than 3 square
feet of free space, and the bed, which has
no mattress, is less than 4 ft long.

This space isn’t remotely resistant to the elements: when there is rain, his home floods; when there is wind outside, there is wind inside. At night, despite his clothing and blankets, Pedro is cold. He has no nearby access to a bathroom or drinking water. It's a very sad situation, and dangerous for a man of his age, so we have been trying to find ways to get him out of there. 


Just this week, we got a terrific offer. Mayan Families’ managers Gloria and Julio reached a couple of Pedro’s especially helpful neighbors (who had been out of town) and learned that a rentable room in their home is about to be vacated. We can rent this room for Pedro, equipped with light and access to a bathroom, for $65 a month. Aside from the relative affordability of this offer (even relative to local prices), it’s a great opportunity because Pedro would be living with the few caring, familiar faces and helping hands that he knows.


Pedro sitting on his bed

If we could each give a little, it would make a world of difference for Pedro. A monthly or one-time donation of any amount would be so appreciated. To make such a monthly donation, please click here and enter “Elderly Care, Pedro” next to Other Program. To make a one-time donation, please click here and enter “Elderly Care, Pedro” in the other box.

Thank you so much!

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