From Dow Jones & Company:
Las Vegas fast-food worker Kevin Ford struggled to make ends meet, working two jobs to pay rent and bills. A viral TikTok video and a GoFundMe campaign by his daughter raised nearly $450,000, allowing Ford to buy his own home and save for retirement. The generosity displayed in his story showcases the struggle of Americans to afford housing, with many earning low wages and facing soaring costs of living, according to the Atlanta Fed’s Home Ownership Affordability Monitor and Harvard University researchers. Ford’s story reflects the power of empathy and community support, but also highlights the policy and market failures that make homeownership unattainable for many. Despite nearly three decades of work, Ford was only given a cup and some candies as recognition, which went viral in a video. His daughter set up the GoFundMe campaign, raising nearly $450,000 from almost 15,000 donations and allowing Ford to buy a home in Pahrump, Nevada and start saving for retirement. GoFundMe stated that 14,000 donors contributed and Mr. Ford will retain approximately $432,000 after the donations have been collected.
Read more: Burger King worker who bought his first home with GoFundMe money: ‘I feel legit’
