Northview’s ‘Biggest Fan’ Almost Homeless And Needs Your Help

December 9, 2010

Northview Chiefs’ fans may not know his name. But they, without a doubt, know the distinctive voice and mannerisms of the man sometimes dubbed “Northview’s Biggest Fan”. If it’s Friday night Northview football, he’s the guy running around with the Northview flag loudly proclaiming his love for the Chiefs. You just can’t miss Jake.

Or if it’s a Saturday afternoon little league football game in Century, he’s the announcer’s voice that you know you’ve heard before with a style that’s just hard to put into words.

He is 33-year old Jake Livingston of Century. It’s obvious that Jake is a little different than most. But that’s why we all like him.

Born with special needs, Jake has lived with a relative all of his life.  But due to a change in a family situation, Jake may be without a place to live. And that did not sit well with his neighbor Charlie Brown.

“I just could not see him without a home,” Brown said. “He does not deserve that.”

Brown has found a FEMA trailer for Jake, a half-acre lot of his own for the trailer and other  items like a septic tank, plumbing and electrical wiring.  But money is needed to help pay for the trailer and other necessities.

Since Jake has never lived on his own, Brown has even arranged for a state-assigned caregiver to teach him independent living skills. Plans are also being made to assist Jake with ordinary living expenses in the future like his electric and water bills.

“We have most everything we need to keep him from being homeless, but we need help,” Brown said.

The “Jake Livingston Fund” has been established at Pen Air Federal Credit Union in Century for anyone wishing to help.

NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.

Comments

27 Responses to “Northview’s ‘Biggest Fan’ Almost Homeless And Needs Your Help”

  1. Lisa Nicholls on December 12th, 2010 7:39 pm

    @ Lady…how rude of you!! You have no idea and yet you let someone talk you into putting a post up here that sounds to me like you and hummmm another person wants Jake put away!! And that “ONLY” his grandfather loves him!! Well for you information,the whole community loves Jake!!! Where has his grandfather been while all the work from others, that love Jake so dearly ,have been doing what they can to get Jake into his new home???

    Please tell me if i am wrong,but isnt Jake staying at his grandfathers home alone right now?? Why arent you worried about that???

    I have known Jake for a very long time and feel that Jake “IS” able to tend to his self in his new home,he does go out and about on his own, on his gator and “EVERYONE” is “ALWAYS” watching out for JAKE..what makes you feel as if someone is gonna take advantage of him…some already have!! Some have lied about him saying that he doesnt like the new wife of his grandfather…that is crap!! JAKE LOVES EVERYONE…unless some one mistreats him or is mean to him..he does know the difference…i assure you of that!!

    Jake is happy “ALL” of the time unlike so many people in this world..i often wish when days seem so down and out for myself that i could be like Jake…love everyone,laugh all the time,make people smile just because,kindness and concern that he gives to everyone.

    Jake is special indeed..he is and has a precious gift to give to us all if we just give him a few minutes of our time when we see him!!

  2. Mary on December 12th, 2010 12:08 pm

    Jakes house warming is sat. Dec 18.
    In His own words Thur. “Call Me Mr Homeowner”

  3. Questioning on December 11th, 2010 11:09 pm

    Thanks to Charlie Brown and others who have —and will help Jake. Jake is a wonderful young adult with so much love to give. But—–I have known Jake forever and he has a family; a granddad, a mom, a dad, at least one sibling, uncles and aunts, cousins—–so where are these people when he needs them—just thinking what the world is coming to when we do not take care of our own –and expect others to do so. I could not sleep at night! God bless Jake and those of us who care.

  4. lady on December 11th, 2010 10:40 pm

    Jake has been taken care of all his life by his grandfather who loves him dearly but in the last few months he has gotten so angry because his grandfather remarried until he isn’t the same person. Yes, he is a lovable individual but knowing him I do not think he is capable of living in a trailer, taking care of himself. He has never used a stove to cook on, only a microwave so this could be very dangerous. He gets SSI and that will help put him in an apartment/building with other people so he could be near others. The trailer is being put near his grandfather’s so that is not going to be good because he doesn’t like his grandfather’s new wife so this could be very dangerous. We all love Jake but putting him in a facility with other people will be the best route. He gets money enough to take care of him but who is going to manage that money now that he will be alone? People will take advantage of him for the little money he gets. Talk to his grandfather because he is the only one that has ever cared for him and he wants the best for him. He is a good man and loves Jake but he has his life too and wants his life with his wife to be happy and without fear and worry about Jake. He is THE ONLY ONE THAT HAS EVER CARED FOR HIM.

  5. a big fan on December 10th, 2010 6:45 pm

    Jake is an awsome guy. He is always willing to help others and put a smile on their face. Thank you Charlie Brown for helping with a new home and everyone who is helping to raise money and give Jake moral support. Thank you to Alyssa for being such a great caregiver. I know Jake appreciates everything everyone is doing and it’s keeping him strong. Please continue to help to we can keep this important citizen in Century.

  6. T on December 10th, 2010 7:02 am

    I don’t know any of the people involved in this situation but it’s one the most heartwarming stories I’ve seen on this site ever. To many times our responses are cynical and cold. God bless Charlie and Pam Brown. Alissa I can tell you are very protective over Jake and very graceful in the way you’ve handeled what any comments that might have a touch of negativity(not saying that was the intention)A little story like this and how the community responds can make your day!

  7. Dwg on December 9th, 2010 11:01 pm

    I have seen Jake at every single home game that I’ve been to. There is no doubt he is our biggest fan. I can’t believe something like this could happen to him. Especially so close to Christmas. That just makes the situation he’s in a lot worse. Mr. Weaver said something to us about this today in the DCT class. He wants us to set up a fund raiser for Jake. I am 110% behind this idea. No one should have to deal with being in this situation. Especially at this time. He needs our help. So let’s help him!!

  8. 10th grader Chiefs student! on December 9th, 2010 8:06 pm

    I can’t believe this!!! It just breaks my heart knowing that he was almost homeless and I’m happy Mr. Brown was able to help him out!!! I hope NHS will be able to think of a good fund raiser and when they do I will do my best to help out. As soon as I get the chance me and my friend are going to go and talk to Mrs. Weaver and see what we could do to help!!!!!!!! I have seen Jake at every game to watch us play and cheer us on! And if he can take some time out of his life to do that then I can take time out of my life to try to help him. And I hope more students will do the same and try to help out the best they can!!!

  9. NHS 10th grader on December 9th, 2010 7:46 pm

    I wish everyone was as sweet as Mr. Brown. I see Jake at every home game i go to, he is always smilen and he seems like he has a huge heart. If there is anyway we can help, we will try are best to do it.

  10. Alissa Jake's caregiver on December 9th, 2010 6:53 pm

    Jimmy, yes he has a case worker and caregiver who is following everything every step of the way. Yes There is places Jake could go but that would require him to leave Century. Thank God for people like Charlie and all of Jake’s other friends who is helping to keep him in Century. Jake is also so thankful for all the love that has been shown to him

  11. jimmy on December 9th, 2010 6:44 pm

    there are federal and state programs to help folks like this. I would guess he should have a case worker to oversee the process and make sure he gets the help he needs.

  12. molino girl on December 9th, 2010 6:16 pm

    I went to school with Jake at Century Elem. and even then every football game that the Century Blackcats had he was there cheering them on. Once they shut the school down he was like it will be okay, but that is how Jake is he is a sweet, kind hearted person and i just wish their were more people like him.

  13. NHS on December 9th, 2010 2:35 pm

    Many of Northview’s clubs are coming up with ideas to help jake, jake is part of Northview’s family and family helps out family :)

  14. softballgirl on December 9th, 2010 2:08 pm

    Ive known Jake for the longest times he lived by grandmaw since before i was born. I see him all the time drive his gator to the Panhandle to get something to eat he is the most sweetes and nicest person I will every meet

  15. Countrygirl on December 9th, 2010 1:24 pm

    I have known Jake since he was very small. I worked with his Mother for years. Jake has always been a bright spot in Century. From singing Take me out to the ballgame at little league games, to selling fresh vegtables that he grew himself. He is very special to the people of Century and we need to support this effort 100%. Thanks Charlie and Pam for everything that you do for Jake. Besides getting the trailer and everything that goes with it, you two also took the time to take Jake to a lot of the away games. I know Jake really appreciated that. So did we, the fans. There is a special place reserved in Heaven for the two of you and Jake.

  16. Bama on December 9th, 2010 12:07 pm

    You’re a good man CHARLIE BROWN!

  17. alissa lodge {Jake's Caregiver} on December 9th, 2010 11:50 am

    Low income housing was checked on. He has to live in Florida and he doesn’t want to leave Century. He was on a long waiting list and he needed to be out of his current home asap. The list of everyone that has helped Jake is long. Thanks Charle Brown and all of Jake’s friends who has and is contiuning to help.

  18. robert on December 9th, 2010 10:00 am

    i am a 97 grad of Northview and remember him well. you could count on him to make the games great for the fams amd the players. to the best i can remember he had a nickname with our class but i don’t know if was one that stuck with him or not it was given to hum for a saying he hasd but for the life of me i can’t remember it. Anyway i wish the best of luck to Jake ” The Sandman” Livingston you were always a bright point to any sports event that you attend!!!

  19. Concerned Mom on December 9th, 2010 9:01 am

    I had the pleasure of hearing him at my sons mini mites games in Century. He is a charactor. This is also very sad to hear. Mr. Brown i comend you for your big heart and i wish Jake the best in his venture of sprouting his wings. He has a passion.

  20. William on December 9th, 2010 8:26 am

    >> Call Henderson septic In Flomaton he will help for sure!!!! I think the # is
    296-5079!!!

    They already have the septic tank, I think.

  21. tj on December 9th, 2010 8:25 am

    Call Henderson septic In Flomaton he will help for sure!!!! I think the # is 296-5079!!!

  22. me on December 9th, 2010 8:09 am

    we all need to be like Mr. Brown……May God bless you Mr. Brown for your thoughtfulness and kindness. If we were all like you, this world would be a MUCH better place. I hope Jake gets all he deserves and needs.

  23. 1996 grad on December 9th, 2010 7:40 am

    This is a very great thing Mr Brown!
    I went to Carver for middle school (I’m 32, pretty much the same age as Jake), and of course many trips into Century over the years since,,,I remember Jake from school, and in town. Have always liked him. He’s always been the type to, even if he don’t know/remember you, be able to say something to brighten you up (even just in passing) even when you feel at your worst!
    He’s always smiling & making others smile too~don’t think I have ever seen him that he wasn’t smiling!
    I really hope & pray all works out so Jake can stay in Century~his home town!

  24. pp on December 9th, 2010 6:58 am

    I’m sorry I do not know Mr. Brown personally and I truly feel it is my loss. He has
    shown such a sweet and loving spirit in his concern for this young man. I’m sure
    the heavenly Father will greatly bless him in this life as well as the one to come.
    If we all could just follow his example the world would be a much better place.

  25. Walnut Hill Girl on December 9th, 2010 6:14 am

    Jake is a very special person…I remember him when my son played little league and I was the team mom…Jake was always there and me working at the old Diamond in Century I enjoyed Jake when he came by to visit us…I plan on trying to help him so please anyone knowing or not knowing Jake he needs your help…he is a very very special man…and I want to give a GREAT BIG THANKS TO CHARLIE BROWN for helping all that you have done and doing for him…WE ALL LOVE HIM and good luck to his new life..I may live in Walnut Hill now but Century will always be home and Century is Jake’s home….so PLEASE HELP

  26. Just me on December 9th, 2010 1:22 am

    Why don’t they try to get him into a low income apartment that he wouldn’t need all that done just money for deposits(lights and 100 rent deposit) . I’m sure he gets a check every month.It would cost him less than $300 a month to live in one of these apartments thats with rent ,lights, cable and a phone.And they can still get a car-giver to help him.Just a thought .Thats what i have to do with a few members of my family.

  27. one normal person on December 9th, 2010 12:31 am

    I wish we could all be more like jake, not one of our games was he ever sad, always has a smile on his face and getting us fans all fired up, please help this man out, he desperately deserves it