United Way Peterborough & District Announces Upcoming Point-in-Time Count to Measure Homelessness

United Way Peterborough & District’s upcoming Point-in-Time Count, part of a nationally coordinated effort to measure homelessness across Canada, will take place between Nov. 18 and 21, the organization announced on Monday afternoon.

Jim Russell, United Way CEO (left); Elisha Rubacha, United Way’s community impact officer (middle) and Betsy Farrar, United Way manager of community impact (right), Photo by dAVID tUAN bUI.

The Point-in-Time Count comprises of two parts: a 24-hour enumeration and an in-depth survey. The enumeration involves tallying the number of people that surveyors observe experiencing homelessness. Conducting an enumeration over 24 hours will provide Peterborough with a snapshot of the minimum number of people experiencing homelessness in our community says United Way. This enumeration is understood to be a minimum due to the different types of homelessness that cannot be observed, such as couch surfing, which is also referred to as hidden homelessness.

In addition to the enumeration, the in-depth survey will improve the understanding of who is experiencing homelessness in our community. The survey data will provide our community with information about the specific needs and circumstances of people experiencing homelessness in Peterborough at this time.

The survey will ask questions such as:

• Demographics like age, gender, race, sexual orientation, and Indigeneity

• Length and duration of homelessness

• Reason for homelessness

• Health factors

“The Point-in-Time Count is an opportunity to learn directly from those experiencing homelessness in our community,” said Elisha Rubacha, United Way’s Community Impact Officer. “As the PiT Count Coordinator, it is my hope that this research will support housing advocacy efforts, while also reducing stigma.”

This Point-in-Time Count marks the fourth one to have taken place in Peterborough, with previous ones taking place in 2021, 2018 and 2016. United Way expects the data to reflect a stark increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness and the complexity of their situations compared to the 2021 data, said Betsy MacDonald, United Way Director of Community Impact.

“As a community, we have been feeling the effects of rising costs over the last few years. It is anticipated that the 2024 PiT Count will provide us with data that indicates that more people are experiencing homelessness than previously,” she said. “This data is important for us to have as a community because it provides concrete justification for the need for increased resources to be put towards housing services and programs.”

United Way Peterborough & District wants the community to be aware of the Point-in-Time Count activities taking place next week:

• Between the evening of Nov. 18 and the evening of Nov. 19, outreach workers will be walking and biking throughout the City to enumerate and survey people experiencing homelessness

• Surveys will also take place inside of shelters on Nov. 18, as well as during the day on Nov. 20 and Nov. 21 at specific community locations

• These surveyors will be wearing identification badges that indicate they are part of the Point-in-Time Count project affiliated with United Way Peterborough & District

• Individuals being surveyed will be offered goods in exchange for their participation

• Surveyors will approach individuals and ask them a screening question to determine their eligibility for the survey.

The individuals are allowed to end their participation in the survey at any time without repercussions.

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Homelessness Benefit Concert Returns With 'Peterborough Performs IV' For United Way at Showplace On March 7

Sixteen acts are taking the stage at Showplace Performance Centre for United Way’s ‘Peterborough Performs IV: Musicians United to End Homelessness’ to fundraise for homelessness initiatives announced Thursday morning.

Musician Dan Hicks is one of 16 acts joining ‘Peterborough Performs IV."‘ Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The one-night event takes place on March 7 at Showplace (290 George St. N.) at 7 p.m. with tickets for $50.

The campaign is in its fourth year with the ultimate fundraising goal $1.45 million. The concert has raised over $84,000 to date, with 95 per cent of the proceeds going to local shelters according to Paul Rellinger, event organizer.

“We all feel homelessness is a big issue that we can't as individuals do anything about,” he said. “You can make a difference with this event.”

While the event averages over $28,000 annually in raised funds, Rellinger adds that no goal is set for this campaign's fourth edition.

“The first goal is to do better than the year before,” he said. “What I'm really excited about is the event is going to well pass $100,000 in money raised over four events and that's pretty good for something that was just an idea four years ago.”

Tiffany Arcari from ‘The Tiffany Show’ is the emcee for the event.

The following are the acts performing at this year’s concert:

• The Weber Brothers Band

• Emily Burgess

• SJ Riley

• The Austin Carson Band

• The Peterborough All-Star Band (featuring Rick and Gailie Young)

• The Cheryl Casselman Trio

• Irish Millie

• Tom Eastland

• Chris Collins

• Bread & Soul

• Phil Stephenson/Glen Cardus/Ron Kervin

• Jacques Graveline

• The Hippie Chicks

• Michaela Hetherington

• Dan Hick

• Tim Burnie (stand-up comedian)

An online auction with over 50 items runs until March 7 at 10 p.m. Local businesses, sponsors and organizations have donated all the lots for the auction.

Tickets to Peterborough Performs are available for purchase at the Showplace Box Office. The discount code ‘LoveLocal’ is available to purchase two tickets for $40 until next week Thursday.

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City's 50-Unit Modular Bridge Housing Community For the Homeless Expected to Operate In a Few Weeks

The City of Peterborough’s 50-unit modular bridge housing community at the Rehill parking lot is in its final steps and is expected to move in people in a few weeks at a private media tour held Thursday morning.

Councillor Alex Bierk showcases the inside of a module. It is equipped with air conditioning, a heater, mini-fridge, cutlery and more. All photos by David Tuan Bui.

Each unit is equipped with electricity, air conditioning and a heating system. A bed, night table, cutlery, dresser, towels, mini-fridge and waste receptacles are also in each unit. Most of the items are donated by the Elizabeth Fry Society. There are also five washrooms next to the module housing. They are fitted with a toilet, sink and shower.

Amenities and activities are also available just outside the module housing. The Wolfe Street building will act as a community space. Laundry and wheelchair washrooms are located nearby but off the site and available to those in the modular system.

The City has already chosen 50 people to move into the units from the tent encampment off Wolfe Street. It is based on a list of those who have been marginalized for several years, according to Councillor Keith Riel.

“We are going to give people a new lease on life,” he said. “Someone who has lived in a precarious position for a couple of years in a tent is second to none.”

Riel added that overflow accommodations are at the former Trinity United Church.

Those staying in modules are capped at around 18-24 months of being in the modules though occupancy varies from person to person. Transitional housing programs are available for those ready to move out.

Final construction pieces and staffing need to be finalized and secured before the modules are occupied, according to Jocelyn Blazey, the City’s homelessness programming manager.

“There are some key markers that we have identified both as the City and with Elizabeth Fry as they are providing support and security to make sure that the site is ready from a programming perspective,” she explained. “We wanted it to be a smooth transition for folks and we want staff and clients to feel supported so there are a few key things that we still need to make sure to put in place.”

Two support staff and two security guards provided by Elizebeth Fry will be at the housing facilities when they become operable. The Society also aims to have welcome baskets ready for the individuals moving in. They are asking the public to help with donations to help fill them which can be dropped off on-site.

Items include:

• Hats/toques

• Mittens

• Tim Hortons Gift Cards ($10 value)

• Food and drink

  • Snacks

  • Fruit

  • Protein shakes/bars

  • Water/Juice/Pop

The modules were proposed to be built in August by City Council, with off-site construction of the units starting in September. Council was diligent in streamlining the process to get the units up and running as soon as possible, according to Councillor Alex Bierk.

“Usually, the bureaucracy of the system really slows things down but this has been something that has come together really quickly and we've worked out a lot of details,” he explained. “At the end of the day, what we have here is so much better and different than what we had last winter.”

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City of Peterborough Expects Residents to Move Into 50-Unit Modular Bridge Housing Community Later This Month

The City of Peterborough expects Residents of the new Modular Bridge Housing Community to start moving into the 50 units in this month following the completion of installation and construction of the units.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The inspection of the electrical hookups to each unit — which all have electric heating and cooling systems — needs to be completed, according to a press release. The City is also finalizing agreements with the operators of the site.

The City’s emergency shelter network, operated by community partner agencies, offers 106 shelter beds. The overflow shelter bed program, temporarily moved to the Peterborough Public Library at 345 Aylmer St., had about 24 beds available each night in October.

As part of the emergency winter response plan, the City has also agreed with One City to open a new overnight drop-in space that will open at the Trinity Centre on Reid Street following renovations, which are nearing completion.

The Modular Bridge Housing Community and the new overnight drop-in space are part of the updated homelessness services strategy that Council approved in May last year.

To facilitate the construction and installation of the Modular Bridge Housing Community on a former municipal parking lot on Wolfe Street, Council approved in September a temporary amendment to the City of Peterborough’s Parks and Facilities By-law and Trespass By-law to temporarily allow tenting on the municipal parking lot at the southeast corner of Aylmer and Wolfe streets.

Temporarily allowing tenting on the property at Aylmer and Wolfe Streets is intended to provide a clear and safe work environment for the construction and installation of the Modular Bridge Housing Community on the nearby Rehill Parking Lot on Wolfe Street.

The temporary amendment to the Parks and Facilities By-law and Trespass By-law was scheduled to expire on Nov. 15. Council has extended the temporary amendment until Jan. 5 to allow for the completion of the construction and installation of the Modular Bridge Housing Community, the execution of the required agreements all with the intent that residents start moving into the units in November.

When the temporary amendment to the by-laws to allow tenting on the property at Aylmer and Wolfe Streets is revoked, anyone who is tenting on the property will be informed of the change – that tenting is no longer allowed on the property or any other City-owned property – and that their tents must be removed.

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City to Build 50-Unit Modular Bridge Housing Community For the Homeless Being Constructed In September

The City of Peterborough is creating a 50-unit Modular Bridge Housing on Wolfe Street for anyone experiencing homelessness with construction to begin in September.

Photo courtesy of The City of Peterborough.

Several of the individual units are being built off-site before being delivered to the property. Each unit will have access to electricity, a heating and cooling system.

Over the next several weeks, through conversations to identify how support services at the Modular Bridge Housing project will align with each individual’s specific needs, the City will provide offers of accommodation for the new units as stated in a press release.

The units will be a bridge to move people into more permanent housing.

“I'm proud of the progress we've made towards the plan at Wolfe Street, and I think it’s a significant step in the right direction to address the needs of the community, and establish structure and support in the area,” said Councillor Alex Bierk, vice chair of the City's Housing and Homelessness portfolios. “We are meeting people where they are at and have put in a lot of work to collaborate with community partners and create more accessible shelter options.”

Council approved a comprehensive homelessness strategy in May. Part of the strategy includes:

• The 50-unit Modular Bridge Housing project

• Opening a new winter overnight drop-in centre

• Creating a service hub to support the Modular Bridge Housing community

Details are being finalized on the location of the winter overnight drop-in centre that will be open for six months every year and a year-round daytime meal program that will replace the current One Roof community meal program and drop-in centre.

Once the new overnight drop-in centre opens and the Modular Bridge Housing project is ready, the Wolfe Street building will be converted from an overflow shelter program into a service hub to support the Modular Bridge Housing community.

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Ontario Government Provides One-Time Funding Increase of $2.5 Million For Homeless Prevention in Peterborough and the County

Peterborough and the County just got an extra $2,492,700 for homelessness prevention now totalling $7,657,000 for the city’s budget, announced by MPP Dave Smith at City Hall on Wednesday morning.

In 2022, the government introduced the More Homes Built Faster Act to address the housing crisis by building 1.5 million homes by 2031. Photo by David Tuan bui.

The money is part of the Ontario government’s investment of an additional $202 million for the province’s annually in the province’s Homelessness Prevention Program and Indigenous Supporting Housing Program, bringing Ontario’s total yearly investment in these programs to close to $700 million.

The funding is meant to support the most vulnerable by providing supportive housing and homelessness prevention services.

“Peterborough, like so many cities across Ontario, is experiencing a homelessness crisis,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “This funding from the Province of Ontario will help support our most vulnerable with critical homelessness prevention and supportive housing services.”

The additional funding has come as a surprise to some City staff and Council members as the budget was finalized in January according to Smith. The money will be added to the original budget the City had intended for homelessness.

“This gives them an opportunity then to make some plans on what they're going to do with it,” he said.

City Council has until April 1 next year to spend the money as they see fit in a ‘use it or lose it’ situation and cannot be banked for next year’s funding.

Smith also added that partially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were more people who were unhoused and this increase in funding is in recognition of that increasing number.

“When we were developing the budget this year, we were able to find some additional funding that flowed into it,” he explained.

When asked about how many people it will aid, Smith says it’s hard to gauge as it could be premature to issue a number. He continued saying it could be as low as the high 90s but can reach the 300s.

“I think the most important thing we should be looking at is taking that snapshot in time, where are we sitting right now, how many individuals do we have that need that additional support and what plans can we put in place to address that,’ he explained.

Smith recognized during provincial budget talks that Peterborough was a city in significant need of reducing homelessness issues.

“We need to make sure we’re proactive so we don’t find ourselves in a position in July or August of this year that a number of individuals see themselves where their only recourse is to set up a tent at Victoria Park,” said Smith.

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'Peterborough Performs III' Hitting Showplace Fundraising For United Way's Homeless Initiatives

Fifteen acts encompassing 43 musicians are taking the stage at Showplace Performance Centre for United Way’s ‘Peterborough Performs III: Musicians Against Homelessness’ to fundraise for homelessness initiatives announced on Thursday.

Jacques Graveline (pictured) has performed in the past two ‘Peterborough Performs’ and is playing again for a third consequtive year. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The one-night event takes place on March 2 at Showplace (290 George St. N.) at 7 p.m. with tickets for $50. There are roughly 600 tickets available for the event.

“A $50 ticket breaks down to just a little more than $3 per performance,” said Paul Rellinger, event organizer. “You can't beat that, no way no how. Being general admission, ticket holders can wander Showplace as they please, taking in the main stage acts or hanging out in the more intimate Nexicom Studio or, ideally, do a combination of both.”

All acts for the third edition of the concert are local artists with several new and returning performers taking the stage. The 15 acts are performed on two stages simultaneously. Jordan Mercier is returning as this year’s emcee.

The following are the acts performing at this year’s concert:

• The Weber Brothers Band

• Michaela Hetherington

• Jacques Graveline

• The Peterborough All-Star Band (featuring Rick and Gailie Young)

• Nicholas Campbell and the Two-Metre Cheaters

• Nick Ferrio and Evangeline Gentle

• Groove Authority

• Tom Eastland

• Wylie Harold

• Jericho’s Wall (featuring Charlotte Melby)

• The Receivers (Irish Millie, Fern and Willow Marwood)

• Phil Stephenson and Glen Caradus

• Benj Rowland

• The Hippie Chicks

• Chris Collins

An online auction with over 45 items valued at over $10,000 is being run, starting on Feb. 16 at 5 p.m. and closing on March 2. All lots have been donated by local businesses and organizations according to Mabby Mwanangonze, United Way donor engagement officer.

A link on United Way’s website will be available to view the auction once it is active. Bidders do not have to be present at the event in order to claim their won auction lots.

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United Way Investing $1.8 Million Into Eight Community Partners Addressing Critical Needs For Homelessness

United Way Peterborough has invested $1,798,667 in eight community partners to address critical needs to help end homelessness announced at the John Howard Society on Thursday morning.

48,914 people aided during the 2021-22 United Way Peterborough Campaign. Photo by David Tuan BUi.

The government-funded money is part of the ‘Reaching Home: Canada's Homelessness Strategy.’

The funding runs through until March 31 next year.

“We all have a stake morally, economically and in particular as a human rights issue to end homelessness,” Jim Russell, United Way Peterborough CEO.

The following are the eight organizations being funded:

• Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR)

• Community Counselling and Resource Centre (CCRC)

• Elizabeth Fry Society of Peterborough (EFry)

• One City Peterborough

• Fourcast

• John Howard Society of Peterborough

• Research for Social Change Lab - Trent University

• Peterborough Housing Corporation

This funding has been provided in addition to the ongoing, multi-year Reaching Home partnerships that the United Way holds with YES Shelter for Youth and Families, Fourcast and the Elizabeth Fry Society according to a press release.

"Our current shelter system is strained to meet the needs of all those community members experiencing homelessness. It is imperative that any investment is strategic, encourages partnerships, and puts the needs of those individuals, our neighbours, at the forefront of service and intervention" said Russell.

The following are the program descriptions and funding amounts:

• Pilot Garden Home Project - $150,000 (CMHA HKPR)

  • СМНА HKPR will enter into an agreement of purchase and sale with Metrosuites Inc., to build a modular pre-built garden home, that would be constructed and delivered as a turnkey one-bedroom building suitable for one individual currently on the City of Peterborough's by-name-priority list

• Finding Home - $488,489 (CMHA HKPR, CCRC and One City)

  • Support individuals who have been identified as being involved with Housing Unit Takeovers (HUTS), both the individual legally entitled to the unit and the individuals ‘squatting’. Through the coordination of services, the three organizations will work with the individuals involved in the HUTS to reach out and support them in a variety of ways with the ultimate goal of connecting them to appropriate housing.

• Pathway Peer Housing Program - $257,034 (EFry)

  • This project expands the ‘Wings of Change’ program to include criminalized men experiencing homelessness. EFry will employ a Housing coordinator and a housing worker with lived experience to provide secure safe/stable housing for criminalized men, with priority given to Indigenous men. The housing worker will assist with housing searches, provide advocacy and landlord mediation and housing rights training.

• Reaching Home Stabilization Fund - $139,808 (Fourcast)

  • The funding will be used to support and retain three to four identified landlords who are interested in housing clients on the By-Name-Priority List. The project will provide a dedicated fund to mitigate costs such as property damages due to tenant behaviour or the actions of guests wanted or otherwise) or hostile unit takeovers. Funds will also be used to fund the "Bridge Housing Option", a short-term accommodation designed to transition people from homelessness to permanent housing.

• Actualizing Community as a Housing Strategy - $235,977 (One City)

  • The project aims to provide better and more affordable housing by Building Client Capacity, Improving Agency Capacity and Increasing Community Capacity. To achieve these, funding for the project will be used to:

    • Hire a full-time case manager (Resident Life

    • Coordinator) to provide care in a 24/7 supervised house, giving residents a consistent support system and point of contact

    • Hire a part-time Housing Support Worker position to increase the current capacity of One City's housing team

    • Hire a capacity-building position, housed at One City and working jointly with John Howard as well as other community organizations providing housing services to explore community-building strategies within congregate housing

• Community Homes - $219,000 (One City)

  • The funding will be used towards the purchase and renovation of a house on Collison Crescent as an eight-bed facility which will provide transitional/supportive housing for individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

• Hunt Terrace Supportive Housing - $197,512 (Peterborough Housing Corporation)

  • The project commits 40 units of The Hunt Terrace building at 555 Bonaccord St. as inventory to the Corporation City of Peterborough's By Name Priority List of people experiencing chronic homelessness, broken down as follows:

    • 20 units dedicated to Alternative Level of Care (ALC) beds from Peterborough Regional Health Centre

    • Six units are dedicated to the VON wait list for people requiring assisted living services

    • 15 units dedicated to the City of Peterborough By Name List of people experiencing homelessness

• Stop Gap - Overnight Drop In - $61,659 (One City Peterborough)

  • This funding is supporting One City's operation of Stop Gap, the overnight drop-in program at Trinity United Church. The program operates between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m., seven 7 days a week, from Jan. 16 until April 30.

• Investigating Shelter (In)Justice in Peterborough - $49,188 (Research for Social Change Lab and Trent University)

  • Documenting how Peterborough's Coordinated Access System works in practice.

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Local Fraternity Having 48-Hour Outdoor Campout To Fundraise For Housing Insecurity On Feb. 10-12

The 12th annual Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) in a Box fundraiser returns on Feb. 10 - 12 to raise awareness about housing insecurity in the Peterborough and the Kawarthas announced on Tuesday.

(LEFT TO RIGHT) Members of the TKE fraternity CHRISTOPHER MILLS, BRENDAN ALEXANDER, OSCAR FUCHS AND MARCUS FUCHS HUDDLED IN A MAKESHIFT STRUCTURE WITH HAY AND A TARP IN THE COLD AT THE VENTURE NORTH PARKING LOT ON GEORGE STREET NORTH on Feb 5 & 6 last year. File photo.

Volunteers from (TKE) student fraternity are camping for 48 hours to raise funds and awareness about the need for affordable housing in Peterborough with proceeds going to support Habitat for Humanity Peterborough and the Kawarthas. The goal is to receive $5,000 with $600 already raised.

Various shelter-based organizations in the city have benefitted from this event including One City Peterborough, One Roof, and Habitat for Humanity from 2017-2020 according to a press release.

“We selected Habitat for Humanity again because we believe that their work towards developing housing for low-income families is going to positively impact the Peterborough community,” says former TKE President, Alexander Mills. “As a student who works part-time, I have found that it is hard to find affordable housing while being able to pay for tuition, the increasing food prices, and other living expenses. I have been very fortunate to be able to afford these things, but I can see that the number of people in our community who can no longer afford basic living expenses has risen and continues to rise.”

The event is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. on Feb. 10 until 4 p.m. on Feb. 12 in the parking lot of the Venture North at 270 George St. N.

“We are very happy to be partnering with TKE again to raise awareness for affordable housing,” says Jenn MacDonald, Communications & Donor Services Manager at Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region. “Too many working families in our community do not have stable or secure housing and are one eviction notice away from the threat of homelessness. With escalating rent prices and a vacancy rate of less than 1%, this event helps highlight the precariousness many in our community are facing.”

Funds raised will support Phase 2 of Habitat’s condo project, bringing 12 affordable units to the City of Peterborough according to a press release.

To donate to the fundraiser, you can visit their page online.

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Beloved Man Doug “Dougie” Johnson Has Passed Away; Candlelight Vigil Being Held Honouring Lives Lost to Homelessness This Wednesday

Peterborough is mourning one of the most beloved homeless people of the city as Doug “Dougie” Johnson has passed away and is being honoured as one of several people at a candlelight vigil at City Hall at 5 p.m. this Wednesday.

Facebook Photo.

The vigil is to show solidarity and support to anyone who lost their life or is at risk during the winter season due to homelessness and lack of affordable housing according to the Facebook event.

It was created by Courtney Elizabeth Fisher on Dec. 14. The event is asking anyone to send along photos of anyone lost from homelessness to be honoured and show City Councillors its magnitude and influence.

Johnson with his daughter Dana. HIs daughter and most of the maternal family moved out to Western Canada for a living. Facebook Photo.

Known to frequent downtown, Johnson was described as ‘respectful, kind and caring’ according to his daughter, Dana Johnson in a prior interview with PTBOCanada. She tells her dad’s story from her point of view two years ago.

Doug had suffered from schizophrenia and addiction that impacted his mental health.

He has worked at a slaughterhouse as a contractor and at the General Motors truck plant. Johnson' also worked for his father his entire life at the farm. Prior to his diagnosis, he got married and started a family.

“Taking care of our needs and mental stability is so important,” said Dana in a prior interview. “I’ve learnt that it’s okay to not feel ashamed to ask for help, not to hide, or stuff all the feelings way down deep. Because when it blows up, it could be life-changing.”

A Facebook page called ‘Surviving.PTBO’ reported his loss on Wednesday night but details have not been released regarding his death. Comments were pouring in sending condolences and sharing good memories of Doug.

“I will miss being blessed by this man every time I saw him. He would always hold the door for me and yet he never once asked for money,” said Scotty Wood in a Facebook comment. “The city won’t feel the same without Dougie. Heaven gained an angel and so did all of us here in Peterborough. This man will be watching over us all just like we watched over him.”

“Dougie, we will miss you. You were always courteous, pleasant and giving,” said Deborah Wittekoek on Facebook. “I remember way back when City Lights were still open, the owner would give him free food at closing and he would come to my cab and offer me some. I never saw anything but kindness from him. He helped me find my son one time when he went missing. He will be sadly missed but also happily remembered.”

“I will never forget you coming to my daughter’s celebration of life and you stopped in the parking lot to look in a truck mirror to check your hair,” said Gail Perry on a social media post. “You looked so nice, such a caring and thoughtful person.”

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