Why "Searching for Danny" and other stories of homelessness are important to you!  

No family is exempt.  No adult or child is immune.  We are all touched by those we call "homeless:" the vulnerable, rejected, addicted or lost.  The moving stories in this project punctuate needs and identify new solutions.

Danny became homeless the way many do:  no father, complex family issues, mental illness, learning disabilities, no job skills, poverty, drug use, and legal problems.

As a nonprofit director, I met thousands of forgotten vets, addicts, ex-cons, mentally ill, impoverished families, and kids.  Yes, kids!  As they age-out of foster care or their parents kick them out, or worse, they become homeless and make bad choices to survive.  

* When Joseph was 16 he became a father with his 16 year old girlfriend.  When he graduated high school his parents kicked him out.  The girl’s mother refused him shelter, but demanded support.  We found him selling his body with other boys.* 

This book was written almost by accident, I began writing short stories to remember these individuals and noticed patterns of causes and issues and needs that are seldom addressed in the "Industry of Homelessness."  I compared current strategies against core problems and unmet needs.    

* Twice a week Lampshade would visit us.  Actually, she visited our restroom.  At those times the employees stayed clear.  Lampshade took over the sink’s large counter to take a sponge bath, change clothes, and put on makeup to last several days. *

This book addresses issues people may not know:

• "Homeless" is not a correct description of this diverse population 
• Addiction facilities enjoy great revenue streams and profits
• Many homeless adults experienced life in foster care
• One third of food donations are tossed on arrival 
• A prison record, no ID, bad credit, no family can make life unbearable 
• Moms with several kids won't get hired, but still need to parent
• A dad is not a paycheck, but still must earn his parental role
• Addiction, anxiety, and depression are now disabilities
• Housing, food, medical & income benefits sometimes harm the vulnerable we aim to help
• Salaries for poverty workers can pay well - $200K or more

* I approached slowly, but was greeted by the stench of urine.  Margarita was filthy and terrified.  She had been raped and beaten, but who in this neighborhood would care?  Her pimp and drug pusher was her boyfriend. * 

About the author...

David Robeck learned to care for others as a preacher's kid in a small mission church in "sin city" Las Vegas.  His family did work that nonprofit and government agencies do today: serving broken families, addicts, abused women, and neglected children.  Two early stories he recalls:

·  My father quietly consoled the suicidal prostitute whose 3am call to our church/home telephone woke us all.  It was a school night.

·  My mother encouraged the neighbor lady who covered the bruises from her drunken husband’s wrath.  Mom cooked them a meal that night, then enrolled the kids in Sunday School.  They would become my next project.

He didn’t pursue the family business.  Instead, he became a banker, teaching financial literacy, inspiring consumers to achieve dreams, and helping business owners hire more people.  His heart was in social work too, so he worked on boards and as a volunteer – mostly helping kids.  After serving in the U.S. Peace Corps, he adopted four older boys who he's raised as a single “papa.” 

This is where you come in!

The book is written!   It's almost 98,000 words (250-350 pages).

Funding will be used to:

· properly edit and format the manuscript for printing

· complete the graphic design and print-ready layout of the cover

· obtain the ISBN and bar code, Library of Congress number, etc.

· do a first run with a good book printer

· invest in market, presentation materials and other collateral

· offset distribution expenses for initial speaking and consultation trips to nearby nonprofit, faith-based, and community venues 

The Dialogue

This book is more than a book, it's a campaign.  I sat on community boards and committees and in training sessions, but with little outside participation, there were very few new ideas...

As I considered if I really had a book,  I did the research.  I tested my stories and observations with other social service professionals and learned that they questioned the status quo too.

* Suzanne was attacked again.  This time the residents watched as a man hid in the shadows before he pounced.  Nobody called security or 911 or even screamed.  They watched the show and texted one-another on their Obama-phones as she was brutally beaten by a man who would never be identified. *

• include laypeople
• respect diverse opinions
• evaluate the way we "always do it"
• inspire a dialogue 
• encourage new perspectives  
• question, poke, challenge, and test new ideas
• reverse direction from perpetuating homelessness
• invest to prevent homelessness and poverty

* Am I in danger?  Why is he standing over me?  The boy finally spoke, she explained.  He was smiling, but timid.  He asked me: “Are you Lucille?”  Who is this kid that knows my name, she thought?  “You’re my mother,” he said. *

Other Ways You Can Help

Some of the most generous people I have ever met have very little money.  If you can't support this book financially, become part of the dialogue.  Your opinions are valid too.  Link with me on social media and:  

• help publicize this project.  Share this link with those who are able to help (Check out the Indiegogo Share Tools!)
• ask your church, nonprofit or government group to arrange a presentation
• remember, your input is valid and important!

* I’m not convinced Herman was still alive when the heroic security guard attempted to save him by pressing his bare lips to the homeless vets’.  He didn’t have his protective mask, but believed this was a crisis calling for immediate action based on the dying man's sounds described by his roommates. *

Thank you!  I look forward to meeting you in person or in a dialogue.