BOSTON, MA -- A formerly homeless man, John Hatton, 38, of Beacon Hill, recently diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, and several other debilitating conditions, was recently awarded Social Security Disability payments from the Federal government. Since his claim took some time to process (as is common), he received a large check -- a retroactive, or "retro"-check -- from the Social Security Administration. After paying (modest) legal fees and reimbursing the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (for support he received while waiting the outcome of his disability determination), Mr. Hatton still had some $2,600 in "disposable" funds left.

Mr. Hatton has decided to donate $1,100 of this disposable income to the various non-profit organizations in the Greater Boston area (including several such organizations in Cambridge) who provided him with the assistance necessary to get himself out of temporary homelessness, receive proper medical attention for his conditions (most of which had gone undiagnosed and untreated in Florida for over 30 years), and partake of the various State and Federal financial assistance programs which are his right as an American.

Hatton noted that these organizations receiving donations (see below) have had a direct and significant impact on his well-being. There were many other non-profit organizations and government entities which indirectly help him, some of which he may not even be aware of.

"I honestly don't know what I would have done without the help of these people and these organizations," said Hatton. "For years I wandered around through life, confused as to why I couldn't keep jobs, or develop meaningful relationships with people. Now for the first time in my adult life, I'm actually living my life!"

"I am also very grateful to the People of the United States, of Massachusetts, and of Boston and Cambridge -- and their governments -- for the help I have received," Hatton was quick to point out.

But there's more to it than that, noted Hatton. "If I can give about half of my retro-check from Social Security ($1,100) back to the folks who helped me get the assistance in the first place, then surely those persons of good will in Boston and elsewhere who possess nice homes and cars -- and more disposable income than I'll ever have -- can give 3 to 5% or whatever of their yearly income to help the homeless, the disadvantaged, the disenfranchised, and other underdogs in society at large."

Asked if he was seeking to put the well-heeled on a guilt trip, Hatton replied, "That's exactly what I'm doing!" adding, "You cannot comfort the afflicted without afflicting the comfortable."

"I also hope that this sends a strong message to those elected as stewards of our Federal, State, and Local government budgets to do more to promote the general welfare of those in their charge," said Hatton.

The following groups will receive $100 each:

United Homes Adult Shelter (Pilgrim Church Shelter),
540 Columbia Rd., Dorchester, MA.
Contact: (617) 265-4515.

Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program,
729 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, MA.
Contact: James O'Connell, M.D., President (617) 414-7779.