Gwinnett County

Community raises more than $10k for homeless man who was hit by a car

BUFORD, Ga. — A Gwinnett County community has come together to raise more than $10,000 for a homeless man who was hit by a car.

John Reese has lived under an interstate bridge in the city of Buford for many years. Reese is well known in the area and residents say he regularly goes to a nearby gas station for his morning coffee.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

A couple who regularly brought him meals, Lorri and Randy Brown, noticed that he was not in his usual spot last month. They learned that Reese had been hit by a car on Oct. 26 and suffered several injuries to his legs and hips that will require surgery and rehabilitation.

TRENDING STORIES:

In response, Buford resident Jennifer Sullivan set up a GoFundMe account to help with Reese’s medical expenses. So far, the community has raised $11,289 to help pay for his surgery and rehab.

“Now (the Browns) are tirelessly working on John’s behalf in determination that he not return to a cold, dangerous roadside home,” Sullivan wrote. “Lorri and Randy feel confident that the local Gwinnett County community, and even communities beyond, will desire to do what it can to help John find a new lease on life and to enable him to live his golden years in simple comfort.”

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

The community hopes to raise enough money to help Reese find a comfortable place to live.

Sullivan said Reese may suffer from dementia and that he became homeless after losing his wife and daughter. He has no other family in the area.

It’s unclear if the driver who hit Reese is facing any charges.

You can contribute to the GoFundMe HERE.