Community Member in Dire Need

[BeHappy]

Recently I ran into an old friend at the store. It was good to see him, but he was obviously not the happy, easy-going man I remembered. When I asked him how he was doing, his eyes watered up and he had a hard time speaking. After he told me about his situation I felt compelled to ask for help from every place I could think of. His name is Denny Wagoner. He also goes by the name, Butch. He is a 67 year-old military veteran and local musician who has lived and made his living in South Walton for a very long time. Many of you have heard him perform at the old Snapperhead's restaurant and also at Hammerheads. Denny's health is not good. He is dealing with als (Lou Gehrig's disease) and stage 3 liver cancer. His home was foreclosed on and auctioned off in Jan. He and his 15 year-old dog have been evicted and have temporary shelter until Monday, 3/31/2014. After that they will literally be homeless. I cannot imagine going through chemo while living on the street. Every human being deserves better than this. I am positive there is a solution out there for this man and his dog. Perhaps you know someone with a camper or a trailer? If you know of anything, or have suggestions please contact me through a private message and I will pass the information directly to him. Thank you so much.
Currently he has been referred to St. Ritas, The Community Church, The American Legion, Caring and Sharing, and the social worker through the oncology department at Sacred Heart.

 

[sherlyncom]

I sent you a private message

 

[BeHappy]

Help is still needed. Although the VA was able to negotiate a deal for Denny to stay in his house until this coming Monday, he has still been unable to locate and secure housing for himself and his old dog. I want to add, that I unknowingly posted misinformation regarding his condition. He has a serious chronic condition affecting the function of his liver, but it is not cancer. This was my misunderstanding, and I apologize. It was not my intention to mislead or provide false information. The diagnosis of ALS (Lou Gehrigs) disease is accurate. At this time he has good days where he has minimal symptoms and bad days where he is really shaky and off-balance. He really needs a place to live and isn't picky. For those of you unfamiliar with ALS, it is an insidious disease where the motor neurons in the brain degenerate and the person loses voluntary control of muscle function. In later stages, the person with ALS is often completely paralyzed and eventually is even unable to swallow. This is a terminal illness. An interesting side fact is that military veterans are twice as likely to contract ALS as civilians. Denny is a vet.
If you know of someone with a reasonable rental price for a house,trailer, rv, or even a camper where Denny can live, please private message me through here or shoot me a text at 85O.312.O896. Anything is better than living in a car. He has followed up on every lead given, with no luck to date. Also, if you know of any music gigs or places that are looking to hire live music, please let me know. He could really use the work. He is a very talented musician and has performed all around the world. He connects well with the audience and is honestly one of the nicest men I have met since moving here in 2003. He is the epitome of southern gentility and I have found him to be honest, dependable, hard working, generous and compassionate. He is fiercely independent and being in a position of need is a new role for this sixty-seven-year-old man. You may remember him either through his music or from when he worked at the WaterColor Publix deli. He was the friendly guy who may have gotten you hooked on the Boar's Head Londonport Seasoned Roast. Yum. The deli had never sold so many until Denny worked there
This is very possibly his last summer to enjoy living and doing what he loves in a place as close to heaven as it gets before his body is no longer under his control and he has to move to a care/assisted care facility. Please, if you can help, don't hesitate to send me a lead. This is the most amazing community in which I have ever lived. I have seen us take care of our own over and over. Surely there is someone out there that knows of somewhere this man can live and enjoy the summer of 2014 in the community he calls home. Please.

 

[Franny]

Has he contacted the Dept of Children and Family Services? He should be eligible for numerous resources, including housing. He served our country and it breaks my heart that these servicemen are not treated to the highest degree. Bless you for helping this proud man.

 

[BeHappy]

Yes he has. At this time no housing is available and there is a waiting list. He has social security pending. Once it is approved medicaid will kick in. The VA has got him a final extension in his home until April 28. This is the final extension he will be given. Sadly, his utilities will be cut off Tuesday without some sort of intervention. Caring and Sharing can only help with one utility every six months and only if he has a disconnect notice. He does not have a notice because he has called to extend the shut-off date so many times. He is about a month behind on both bills. It's ironic that because he has no disconnect notice, he can't get the help he needs and is going to be disconnected. Having a place to stay with no electric or running water is disheartening to say the least. If I could help him financially, I would. Unfortunately I am not in a position to do so. He is beside himself with worry about being homeless with his dog, who is like his child. If anyone knows of something available for rent in Freeport or South Walton, please let me know. He isn't picky and won't turn anything down. He is currently playing live music at Hammerhead's in The Village of Baytowne Wharf a couple times per week. He is healthy enough to work and his music is good. He used to play at Redbar back in the day. If someone knows of housing or work for this man please let me know.

 

[BeHappy]

Also, I'm going to take him to the library so he can use the computers to apply for any benefits dcf may be able to offer. Thanks for that suggestion.

 

[Franny]

I will check on rentals and let you know.

 

[Franny]

The Palms in Freeport. 2/2 $775 month, which I would negotiate since it has been available since 2012. Call 830-1808.

 

[BeHappy]

Thank you.

 

[Franny]

Studio Apt off Chat Holly for $650 a month, utilities included. Private screened porch. Contact # is 850-543-1714. Available May 1, possibly sooner.