DaJuan Gay, a 20-year old who is running for Alderman in Ward 6 had enough. The University of Maryland Eastern Shore student was tired of seeing his neighbors struggle in the heat without any real means of cooling down. So, he did what any millennial would do—he took to social media to some help.
The frustration in his post was apparent, and the convoluted way that HACA is managed confounded things. HACA does not have the budget to provide air conditioners to its residents–AC is not required by the State code. The City has no legal connection to HACA other than to provide City services and appoint their governing Board. Toss in an audit and investigation of the organization by HUD for $3.4 million that was not spent properly and you can see that air conditioning was not going to happen.
Do DeJuan did what any millennial woudl do–he took to social media and established a Fundly Campaign (donate if you can, share if you can’t) to buy and bring air conditioners to the most needy in his community. In three days, the campaign had raised nearly $7000 dollars and does not look like it will slow down.
Gay hopes to continue raising funds to provide air conditioners to neighbors in need. He estimates the cost of a standalone unit to be $260 and has raised enough to provide 26 units. Other neighbors have gone and purchased units and donated as well.
