NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (LEX 18) — As the snow arrives in Kentucky, one Jessamine County man is planning to leave.
Brian Rolan has lived in Nicholasville for about ten years. After facing several health issues and losing his job, he's been homeless since last December.
“It was kind of frustrating at first, but then this voice in the back of my head kept telling me, 'You're going to be alright. You are going to make it,” said Rolan.
His positive attitude against the odds has made him stand out in the city.
“He's always been such a pleasure. Everybody talks to him,” said Sergeant Kevin Grimes with the Nicholasville Police Department. “People stop and feed him on a regular basis.”
Now, just as the weather is changing and the holidays are approaching, he'll get to spend time with family, thanks to a lot of help from his community.
“They mean the world to be because I wasn't expecting this happen,” said Rolan.
Monday morning, Lana Rowland, the owner of CNC Bakery, posted on Facebook that some people collected enough money to put Rolan up in a hotel for the week.
UPDATE UPDATE: Looks like he has a gofundme set up. Here's the link: https://gf.me/u/zarmhx & the Venmo pic is for his...
Posted by CNC Bakery on Monday, November 30, 2020
However, a bigger goal was set to get him to South Carolina, where he'll stay with his daughter and other family members.
Within hours, they raised nearly $1,000.
“And a bus ticket,” said Rowland. “A citizen has paid for his bus ticket. So, we're just trying to ship his stuff to his daughter.”
Rolan's daughter Jacklyn, says having her father home means she'll be able to take care of him as he faces health issues. While Rolan says he'll miss the life he's built in Nicholasville, he's looking forward to this move.
“Seeing all my grandkids and my children. And my newest granddaughter. She just turned a year old and I just can't wait to get my hands on that,” he said.
The bakery is still collecting donations, which will help Rolan rebuild his life after his trip.
Cash donations can be dropped off at the bakery located at 615 North Main Street in Nicholasville, or you can check the bakery’s Facebook page for information on how to donate through Venmo or Facebook Pay.
