For our first post on MichiganNotMexico.com I would like you to meet Kevin Perry from Galdwin. I was in Traverse City this weekend picking cherries and before I left TC I stopped at Burger King for lunch. I stayed in the parking lot eating my lunch and noticed Kevin on the corner holding up his sign looking for work. All I could think of was the courage this man had standing in front of everyone asking for help. I could not begin to feel what this man was going through because I have a good paying job, a roof over my head and food on the table. My whopper combo was not tasting that good as I watched him. How many more are going through what Kevin is experiencing, forced to hold signs asking for work and food to take care of their families. I put down my Whopper and got out of my car, I walked over to him and introduced myself. Kevin’s story is a trickle down affect story, he was a roofer working in construction and was laid off last year for the lack of work. He told me the owner had to scale way back because no-one is buying new homes and not updating home improves. He has a wife and 2 children to provide for and depend on. While I was talking to Kevin a few people approached him and help, a couple dollars, a tip on a job, and a bag of groceries. I have been kicking around the idea of a website focusing on Michigan and what is happening and standing there with Kevin confirmed it. I was over whelmed with emotions watching this knowing this could happen to anyone, even me. I asked Kevin if I could take his picture for this site he conveyed to me he was not proud about what he was doing, and did not like the idea of his face being associated to the level of begging for help, he did agree to the above photo.

If you want to help Kevin please use the following contact info:

Kevin Perry

635 South M-18 Hwy

Galdwin, Michigan 48624

Ph: 989-246-9778 (message only)