Don Maison
AIDS Services Dallas President and CEO Don Maison is looking for a place to live for the next three months after a fire started in the upstairs apartment of his East Dallas duplex.
ASD began providing housing for persons living with AIDS in 1985. Maison has headed the organization since 1989, helping to provide a place to live for thousands of people over the years. But now Maison is without a home.
“I’m fine,” Maison said. “No one was hurt.”
The fire began in the upstairs apartment when Maison’s tenant lit a fire in the fireplace. Flames got behind the wall starting the fire. Ten firetrucks responded. Maison said his part of the houses suffered mostly water and smoke damage. There were no injuries.
Maison said he was surprised when firefighters entered his house with tarps and covered — and saved — his artwork and piano.
However, structural damage will take several months to repair. Insurance is covering the damage and a temporary place to live. Maison said he thinks he found something near his house where they will sign just a three month lease with him.
I want to believe this is merely a badly titled article. Truly, it is unfortunate that this happened to someone who has given so much. But I find it more unfortunate that the article describes a resourceful man (with a piano, insurance and coveted art work- not to mention a place to live) as “homeless.” Clearly, he is not without a place to live. Equating this scenario with “homelessness” makes a mockery of true homelessness. The homeless in our city live in a world of hunger, increased violence, lack of caring support, and unchecked mental illness- not to mention substance abuse and disease. I hope Mr. Maison soon finds solutions to his (very temporary) crisis. We all have much for which to be grateful.
Eric,
You are right on. My crisis is temporary, and I’m already in apartment that has been furnished, even with most of the household things I’ll need for the next few months. I can’t tell you how fortunate I feel to be so lucky. My neighbors awakened me by knocking on my windows. I’m grateful for them. And they took me into their home and gave me canela to keep me warm. (They don’t speak English.) And when I get settled, I intend to write a letter to Mary Suhm and the Fire Chief. My “art” consists of mostly inexpensive but beautiful memorabilia from my travels. The fire fighters covered my piano and possession with tarps! I was truly impressed.
I’m not homeless, and I’m very fortunate. Just a big inconvenience, but as they say, “shit happens”.
Mr. Maison:
Thank you so much for all you have done for others over the years. I’m so saddened to learn of the fire in your home, but relieved that you are safe and sound. God bless!