Hello!

UPDATE

Thank you everyone for your support and fine words. I have received many, many kind words, wishes for success, advice,

and donations. People from as far away as London donated. This weekend, I received approximately 25% of the funds

needed for my tuition, room and board, and uniform. I posted a few emails at the bottom and will post more tonite.

I am VERY appreciative and will not quit until I reach my goal, retrain, and secure employment. In a healthier environment.

Good news. The crack house next door has been cleaned and boarded up.

Bad news. Several people were shot this weekend, and one body found in a burned up car.

If you are reading this for the first time, here is a link to the Detroit News article by Ron French:

http://www.detnews.com/article/20090925/METRO01/909250370/1409/METRO

I live in Detroit. I am a skilled pipefitter, yet I am unemployed. Detroit's unemployment rate is at a record 28.7 percent. 1/3 of Detroiters live at or below the poverty line. Crime is rampant. My house has been burglarized 9 times. My car window was bust by a thief who I caught breaking into the house down the street. He did it when he was released from jail a few weeks after being arrested for the burglary. The houses on both sides of me are vacant. One is a crack house. There is open drug use at an epidemic level. Violence is out of control. Those of you that know me remember how beautiful the neighborhood used to be. Now its too dangerous for me to even stay there. On average, 1 person is shot or killed here everyday. Google it. Or watch the many documentary clips on youtube.

I'm not bashing Detroit. It is a city with huge potential. But I can't wait. I can't control others, but I can do something myself.

So I am asking for your help. I am moving out of Detroit. I am also starting emt class. I cant find work in construction, so  my plan is to retrain. I was denied a grant for school , apparently, because I worked last year. So I have to pay out of my own pocket.

I found a program at Unitek College in Fremont CA, that costs $4230. It is a fast track accelerated program. If I take this course, I can work as an EMT as I study to become paramedic, then eventually take a bridge course to become an RN. I just need this small boost, then I can maintain on my own. I will work as an emt, then go to school for paramedic at night.

If I don't raise enough money for the accelerated program at Unitek, then I will take a community college class, which will take longer, but that is fine with me.

The way you can help is to donate $1.39. The 39 cent is for the fees paypal charge. If I can get 4000 donations, I can pay for school and start on a path to a new career. I set up a secure Paypal account to allow you to donate. I really appreciate your assistance.  email: helpmeleavedetroit@gmail.com

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“As someone who has just escaped from Toledo,OH, I wish you all the best.  You will make a fantastic paramedic someday! Cheers to you and your dreams,”

“Sean,
 I was born and raised in Detroit, some family members still there.  I
understand your pain and applaud your efforts.  I would like to help but I
don't do paypal or any electronic funds movement. Pls provide me a address
to write a check and I will glad assist you.  May God bless you. “

“I just moved out of the Michigan area Port Huron where there is a 60% foreclosure rate,..... well you know. Have you received any donations yet? I just want to warn you that California is very expensive, I lived there for 17 years!!!! “

“As a former Detroiter (52 years) I really understand your plight.  When we finally decided to leave was when we opened the front door of our house to see a young man brandishing a weapon at his friends on our front lawn.  That did it for me. Good Luck in California and I hope that you become the best EMT / RN that you can.   You are in my prayers.”

“Sean, Just wanted to make sure my donation went thru  - can you confirm? and will be updating your site to let us know your status? Hope all goes well.”Hi Sean,

 “You must be getting a lot of offers of help with the newspaper article.  I don’t have a lot of money, but I do have an extra bedroom in my home in Lansing.  It is walking distance to Labor Ready which seems like a pretty reliable place to make a little money while you look for something better.  Let me know if this is something you want to discuss further.”

These are just a few of many. I will cut and paste more soon, and make a list of all the paces in the world I received a response.

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