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Apr 4, 2008 5:45 pm US/Eastern
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50 Years, 50 Families: Erik Deen
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ―
To celebrate the Golden Anniversary of its Roomful Express Furniture stores, the R.H. Kuhn Co., Inc. is giving away gift certificates worth thousands of dollars in free furniture to deserving familiies every week!
The first recipient featured in the 50 Years, 50 Families campaign has a work ethic that would be the envy of any employer.
Erik Deen, 40, of Squirrel Hill, was born with cerebral palsy and a learning disability. For 4 years now, he has lived in an apartment building designed for people with disabilities.
He says he has not had any friends or family to visit, including his 7-year-old daughter, because there is nowhere for them to sit.
"They always tell me, 'Can I come over?' And I'm kind of embarrassed cause I tell them I don't have anything right now," said Deen. "But they would really love to come over."
Deen says he takes two buses to get to work from Squirrel Hill to The Waterfront where he works at the Giant Eagle doing maintenance and cleaning.
If he collected government disability checks, Deen could get more money, but he says that he likes the independence and pride of earning his own pay.
"Just the independence, just the overall work," said Deen. "I don't like to sit around and depend on nobody."
Jim Quinn, social service coordinator with Action Housing, says Deen is a special guy.
"He's always been a stickler to make sure he works," said Quinn. "I know what he goes through to go to work, two buses to work, two buses at night, usually doesn't get home until 11 o'clock. When I was asked to find a client of mine who I thought was deserving - it was a no-brainer. I thought of Erik right away. "
Deen says his mattress is damaged and he has no dresser. Also, his kitchen could use some more chairs and a stand, and the television in his living room doesn't even work.
Roomful Express says they will be giving him up to $3,000 in furniture. Deen says he plans to get a pull-out couch so his daughter can sleep over.
Deen's been working at Giant Eagle for nine years and says he looks forward to having his friends over to see his newly furnished apartment soon.
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