72-year-old blind man was facing eviction due to rising rent — until a $26,000 act of kindness gave him a second chance

Many elderly people have offered so much to society through their wisdom, time and skills throughout their lives. So, when it’s their turn for some assistance, as a society, we should step up. A 72-year-old blind man, Francis (Frank) Sawicki, a resident of Royal Oak, was known to hundreds of people as the man selling pencils for years, per WXYZ-TV Detroit | Channel 7. A fellow resident, Jillian Ripper, was heartbroken to hear that he was to get evicted as he could no longer afford rent. She immediately decided to band together with fellow residents and the community to help give Sawicki a safe and secure life. 

According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, around 146,000 older adults experienced homelessness in the last year. It happens due to a variety of reasons, the top one being that elderly people have issues or illnesses that shelters cannot accommodate with their needs. With mobility issues and other barriers, it is hard for aged people to find homes or shelter in their advanced years when they need it the most. When Ripper learned that Sawicki was to suffer a similar plight, she was pushed to help. "Hundreds, hundreds of people know about him," she noted, adding that the 72-year-old would often be seen selling pencils or trying to cross the road.

Sawicki had been selling pencils since 1969 and noted that it was a great job that helped him meet new people. One of the days when Ripper came across him, she learned the unfortunate news. "Frank said that he lived at the motel and that he’s not going to be there much longer because he’s getting evicted," she recalled. Sawicki could no longer afford rent, and things were looking bleak for him. Something hit hard for Ripper. “I felt like I couldn’t just get back in my car and go throughout my day and let that go,” she mentioned.

Ripper got to work and started a GoFundMe and shared it with the Royal Oak residents. “Frank, a resilient and independent blind individual who has been a valued member of our community for years. Despite facing numerous challenges, Frank has always maintained a positive spirit and determination to live life to the fullest,” Ripper wrote. She then shared a plea to help him out with funds so he could clear his debts and bills and afford security and healthcare. “It breaks my heart thinking of him losing his home due to not being able to afford rent at the motel,” Ripper remarked.

So far, $26,036 has been raised for Sawicki, and the hope is that the community will continue to come together. Barbara Rope and Bill Griffin, who live near Frank, were delighted to hear the news. "She is the angel that I have been praying for,” Rope said. In an update, Ripper shared, “As of September 16, 2024, I have raised enough money to pay Frank’s debt with the motel and pay his rent through the end of October! I will be helping find Frank the right resources to get into an assisted living facility due to being in his 70s and needing more help than he can do for himself.”