Disabled Man In Danger Of Eviction Over Unpaid $175 Gets Help From Strangers
By Tom Mustin
AURORA, Colo. (CBS4) - In the past 48 hours, life has changed dramatically for Bob McHugh.
"I still don't even quite believe it. It's incredible," he told CBS4's Tom Mustin.
McHugh suffers from Multiple Sclerosis. Friday, we reported that he was being evicted from his Boulder mobile home after failing to pay $175 in back property taxes. He had used that money to pay his medical bills.
Boulder resident Mark Gelband had learned about McHugh's situation on Twitter and wanted to do something about it. He set up the GoFundMe page that has now raised more than $20,000.
"I wanted to help out and I simply set up the mechanism to do so. I was very gratified that so many people stepped up," he said.
Gelbrand set up the fund anonymously but reluctantly agreed to let CBS4 use his name.
"It's not about me, " he said.
On Monday McHugh's friends helped him move to his new place in Aurora, a rental financed by his new income.
"Not only do I get to live here, but I can do so safely and not have to worry about circumstances that can cause me to lose the place," McHugh said.
Because of his MS, McHugh said he'll soon be in a wheelchair. He is eternally grateful for the generous donors who helped rescue him from the streets.
Right now, his new place is a mound of boxes, but he did find time to pick a tune on his guitar.
"I'm a steamroller baby, I'm bound to roll all over you," he sang.
After 35 years in Boulder, and nearly being steamrolled by the system, McHugh says he and his bird Sweetheart are excited to start their new life.
"It actually turned out pretty good. I just have to get used to Aurora. I don't even know where a gas station is."
The City of Boulder said any mobile homeowners having trouble paying their property taxes can call the county and set up a payment plan.
Tom Mustin is CBS4's Weekend Anchor. He has been with CBS4 since 2002, and is always looking for great story ideas. Connect with Tom on Facebook or follow him on Twitter @TomCBS4.
