A feel-good story has taken a distressing turn. Last November, Sarah Thompson launched a GoFundMe campaign that raised over $400,000 for Mike Johnson, a homeless veteran who had performed a generous act for her. However, Johnson now states that he is unable to access a significant portion of the funds and has found himself back on the streets, resorting to panhandling to survive.
The Generous Act
To provide some context, Thompson met Johnson last year when her car ran out of gas on the highway. Johnson, despite having little himself, used his last $20 to help her buy fuel. Grateful for his kindness, Thompson decided to create a GoFundMe to support him. “With this money, I aim to secure his first and last month’s rent for an apartment, a dependable vehicle, and cover 4-6 months of living expenses,” Thompson wrote. “I truly believe that with a stable place to stay and a good night’s rest, Mike can turn his life around. He just needs a little help.”
The Fundraising Success
The story resonated with many, and donations poured in, allowing Thompson to surpass her initial goal of $10,000, ultimately raising $402,706. Fast forward to today, and Johnson claims he has only received half of the funds. The remainder is reportedly being withheld by Thompson and her partner, Alex Green. The couple explained to local news outlets that they would release the remaining money once Johnson is employed and has overcome his addiction issues. Green even remarked, “Handing him all that money? That’ll never happen. I’d rather burn it in front of him,” suggesting that the money could be dangerous given Johnson’s struggles.
Johnson’s Claims
Johnson contends that he never saw the initial $200,000 and insists that Thompson and Green are controlling how he can spend the funds. Although he did receive a lump sum of $25,000, which he used to pay off debts and purchase drugs, he emphasizes that he should have direct access to the donations meant for him. He has expressed concerns that Thompson and Green may have used the remaining funds for their own personal benefit, a claim they deny. Green did admit to using $500 from the GoFundMe account for gambling, though he claims he repaid it.
Investigation by GoFundMe
In light of this complicated situation, GoFundMe has announced they are investigating the claims of misuse surrounding the campaign. “We’re looking into the allegations and will ensure that Johnny receives the help he deserves while honoring the donors’ intentions,” they stated.
Legal Assistance
Johnson has sought assistance from pro bono attorney Lisa Martinez, who aims to help him navigate this troubling situation. “He is a sincere person who has faced numerous challenges,” Martinez noted. “We want to ensure he can benefit from the incredible generosity of the community.”
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Conclusion
In summary, a once uplifting story of community support has turned complicated, as a homeless veteran struggles to access funds raised on his behalf. The ongoing dispute highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in crowdfunding initiatives.