PORTLAND, Maine — Neighbors and strangers are banding together by donating money to help a Portland man keep his home where he has lived for the past 52 years.
Darryl Crabtree, who has cognitive challenges, helped care for his elderly parents in their home on Maine Avenue in Portland for years until they both passed away. '
Now, he faces eviction unless he finds a way to buy out other family members.
The garage alone holds many memories for Crabtree. The 60-year-old said he and his father, Lew, worked on vintage cars together for years. His dad passed away more than a decade ago, but Crabtree said his spirit lives on.
"I swear he is here looking and watching making sure all his tools are all where they are supposed to be," Crabtree explained.
His mother Virginia, an active gardener, died three years ago.
"When I want to be with my mother, I go into the backyard," Crabtree said.
This has been Crabtree's home since he was 8 years old. Later, as his parents developed health issues, he was their full-time caregiver.
He and his dog, Max, are also fixtures in this quiet neighborhood.
"Fate wanted me here to take care of my parents. I hope fate doesn't want me thrown out," Crabtree said.
His mother's estate requires the home to be sold, with the proceeds divided between Crabtree and other family members. To stay, he will have to buy them out.
Alicia Menard has lived next door to Crabtree for 16 years and said he is like her brother.
"This environment, this home, this neighborhood, this is his identity, and to make him move seems cruel," Menard said.
Menard started a GoFundMe account to help Crabtree raise $125,000 to purchase the home from his sister, and his late sister's family.
Nearly 70 people have donated over $5,000, but time is running out. Crabtree has been served with an eviction notice, and a hearing has been scheduled for Aug. 22, which could lead to eviction proceedings.
Crabtree works full-time at Walmart as a custodian and is trying to get a loan so he and Max can stay in their home.
"This is my life," he said. "Living anywhere else, I don't care where it is, it won't be the same."
Crabtree hopes the generosity of others will help him keep the place he has only ever known as home.
Kylie Germann, a lawyer who represents Roxane Price, Personal Representative of the Estate of Darryl's mother tells News Center Maine via email, 'While I would love to be able to give a statement, I'm unable to comment on active litigation.'