It’s all your fault

To the editor:

It is your fault that I met Jim White, and I thank you.

It all began when you published a story about him Feb. 8, 2009, headlined “Jim White Stands Tall.” That same day you published a letter I wrote about my Social Security troubles. I had to agree with you then when you offered the editorial, “We’ve failed Legless Jim.” On Feb. 10, 2009, you published the second part of the Jim White series, “Battling bureaucracy,” about his struggle with Social Security and the hospital.

After all of this, I met him and determined he needed a new house, and that it is my job to help him get one. On April 14, 2009, you published a story headlined “Hope renewed” and on Oct. 11 you published “Visqueen and tires” about my efforts to get that new house. Your newspaper has contributed powerfully to the success we are now enjoying. This letter is to thank you for all the ways you have helped us accomplish the goal we are pursuing.

Recently, I took a photo of Jim White sitting in front of the foundation for the new house we are building. The “we” has expanded significantly in the last year to include Art Gravely, who has retrieved significant materials from contributions received at Bishop’s Attic. He has also helped us secure necessary gravel for the project through the generosity of his friend Mike Schachle.

Bob Pevan accepted the appointment of the Mat-Su Home Builders Association to be the general contractor. Lincoln and Reggie Fisher did the dirt work for the foundation. Valley Block and Concrete contributed the concrete and the blocks the Peltier Construction crew used to make the foundation. McKinley Concrete Pumping pumped the concrete. The home is designed by North Country Builders of Alaska and Denali North is completing the engineering drawings. Darrel Greenstreet bought the septic system at a reduced price from Consteel Concrete. Ken Slauson designed the web site, jimalaskawhitehouse.com, which is now being maintained by Amy English.

There are many others I have not mentioned, such as Trinity Lutheran Church, Wasilla Physical Therapy, KMBQ radio and KAYO radio. Cash donations have ranged from $2 in a coffee can to $5,000 in an unanticipated check. So far we have collected $23,000 toward the $100,000 goal.

All of this is your fault, and we thank you. Your stories and editorials have galvanized a community effort. This is journalism at its best. Take your right arm, reach over your left shoulder and pat yourselves on the back.

There is a long way to go. We need another $80,000 in cash and/or materials. If anyone has some materials to offer, call Bob Pevan at 232-3204. Any cash donations can be made to the Low Cost Housing Fund at United Protestant Church, 713 South Denali St., Palmer, AK 99645. I am happy to receive calls and answer questions at 354-2268.

We want to move Jim and Sherry and their sons into the new house before the snow flies. We want them to have a warm and dry home this year.

And it’s all your fault.

Israel Nelson

Wasilla