So a few weeks back we got together and kept FUMBBL coach Pentalarc (Rene) and his family housed through an amazing outpouring of fundraising, in many cases from people who hadn't even played or chatted to him. It was an incredible display of generosity from people here, and really made this feel like a community of people not anonymous screen names on a screen.

I've been staying in touch with Rene on and off for updates on how he's getting on, and at the last report all things seemed to be really improving. The money we raised had staved off the immediate worries and he'd even managed to switch from one full time job to two part time jobs that brought in slightly more money and also put less strain on him physically. He was definitely feeling positive, and was looking forward to finding a new place to live at his own pace without the threat of eviction hanging over him and the family.

Today I got a new message from him. It turns out the person at the apartment complex who agreed for them to be on a repayment plan did not have authority to do so. They are now looking at having to repay a lot all in one go, and in only a very few short days. They're almost back to square one again (although thanks to people who helped here they do not owe anywhere near as much in one go as it would have otherwise been).

Rene has started a GoFundMe page, which you can find here which also explains in his own words what is happening. I know many of you helped him already, but I would ask those who can give even a few dollars to help him again. I hope this doesn't feel like I'm constantly pestering people to give, and I fully understand that you all have your own bills and lives to deal with. But if you can, please do.

For any concerned about what cut GoFundMe take from the donations, please go to their main site and check over the percentages.

Here is the original forum thread, and here is Rene's original blog about it.