Over $5,000 raised in campaign to help area homeless man find shelter

Donors have contributed more than $5,000 to a crowdfunding campaign set up to help a homeless man get back on his feet.

The GoFundMe account was launched following a Post-Bulletin report about Corey Jacob, a disabled man living in Rochester. Jacob's van, which serves as his shelter, was struck by an alleged drunk driver while parked outside Silver Lake Park last week.

Here's an excerpt from the P-B's Jeff Kiger:

... Jacob recently purchased a van with the intention of living in it with his cat, Nighty. Less than two weeks after buying it, the van was struck by an alleged drunk driver who does not have insurance. The crash broke the back axle of van and made difficult to move from the public street where it was parked.

Jacob, who does not have a police record, survives on limited disability payments, the P-B reports. One of the campaign's organizers, Joe Kinsella, wrote to Facebook, "Corey is a very kind man and could use a little help right now."

It's really incredible how everyone has come together to help us achieve this goal. When we set the goal of $5000 when never expected such a great response from our friends and community. We are now increasing our goal to $7500. Maybe we can help Corey afford a mobile home, small rv, or some other type of affordable housing in the area.

The P-B reports two car dealerships, Kinsella's Auto Sales and Clements Chevrolet, have also pitched in to help Jacob move his van. The vehicle had been anchored since being hit last week.

You can view the GoFundMe site here.

Cover graphic: Licensed / Canva