Community Rallies For Van Nuys Man Who Fell Behind On Rent

VAN NUYS, CA — Luis Flores Jr. was one of the many SoCal residents struggling to pay rent due to the pandemic, and for entirely understandable reasons. The Van Nuys resident and his mother had recently lost their jobs, and his father has been battling cancer for two years.

As the bills began to pile up, Flores Jr. approached his landlord and asked for more time to pay rent due to the situation. Not only did the landlord listen, but the apartment manager decided to throw a surprise Christmas party in the complex to bring the family a little joy.

Sunday afternoon, Flores Jr. and his father walked into the apartment's outdoor courtyard, where they were stunned to see food, gifts, music, and their wonderful neighbors.

"The fact that you guys came out here to try to help me and my family, it's overwhelming," a teary eyed Flores told the crowd via FoxLA. "There's nothing i can do to repay the kindness you all have showed my family, but I'm very grateful."

The party was held outdoors and with masks as residents tried to follow social distancing guidelines. Although a small event, health officials warn such gatherings are helping to facilitate the spread of coronavirus, and continue to beg L.A. residents to stay home during the holiday season.

"As we near Christmas, I urge everyone to cancel their holiday plans to gather with members outside of one's households. This will save many lives," Supervisor Hilda Solis told the county yesterday. "I recognize that the holidays will look different and it is frustrating, but modifying plans is critical for this pandemic not to extend more than it already has. Staying home with only your household will ensure more people can ring in the New Year from their homes and not a hospital bed."

A GoFundMe has also been set up for the family to help them get through this time. The page had brought in $11,397 as of December 22, a heartwarming sign of love for the Flores family.

"I’m not very good at asking for help since my father has raised me to be the one to be there for others so please forgive me for reaching out for help when I know the world is going through a rough time," he said. "I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to repay the kindness and the help I may receive but I promise I will be forever grateful for any help I may receive. I pray for everyone who just reads this and I hope this upcoming year brings you happiness and blessing. Thank you."

-GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner.