My landlord, 83-year-old Bill, may lose the home he has lived in for thirty years. The duplex on Rosales Street is where Bill's heart and art thrive. He has built elaborate gardens with rocks and sculptures. He has hand tiled the walls and floors and built gorgeous colored glass windows.
Before retirement age, Bill worked as a counselor and yoga instructor, and maintained a simple and humble lifestyle. He supports himself now with a small social security stipend and the rent he collects from half of the duplex he lives in. He has a reverse mortgage on his property. Over the years, Bill has neglected to pay his property taxes. Now he is facing foreclosure in July unless he settles his $8500 tax bill. He is without savings or family support, and simply doesn't have the resources to pay this bill.
Bill is a compassionate, warm artist. In the 2 and 1/2 years I have lived in the apartment adjacent to him, I have had the pleasure and honor to witness his art and big heart. He is a wise community member. He is a familiar smiling face at the co-op and eateries on 4th Ave. He makes nightly walks through the barrio. You may see him or know him.
I started a Go Fund Me campaign to raise money to save Bill's home. Please consider helping. Thank you for reading! Here's a link to the Ge Fund Me page: https://www.gofundme.com/save-billshome
