Help Exoneree Impacted by Hurricane Ian
A nonprofit fundraiser supporting
The First 72+$13,335
raised by 252 people
$20,000 goal
Orlando has been displaced due to Hurricane Ian
Orlando was impacted by Hurricane Ian and looking for housing.
23 years of wrongful conviction and no compensation
Innocence Project client Orlando Boquete spent 23 years wrongly convicted, and since being freed and exonerated by DNA evidence in 2006 has frequently been homeless. Due to his post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis, he is unable to work full-time and lives on a disability subsidy of $783 per month.
Florida, the state responsible for his wrongful conviction, has a restrictive compensation law that prevents Orlando and many other exonerees from the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.
Donate to help exoneree Orlando Boquete live a more stable life
Due to his lack of financial support, he’s lived a nomadic life, but always with the same message: “Life is great because I’m free.” Even when he calls from the bed where he sleeps in his truck, a temporary motel room, or the gym where he bathes.
Orlando maintains a high spirit and wants people to know that while he is homeless and urges the state of Florida to fix the law, he holds onto joy through boating, fishing, and his love for children.
“I want to get the youth on a positive path. I want to use my story to do beautiful things,” he said.
Please help Orlando by donating today
The First 72+ is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that will be the financial sponsor for Orlando. All funds will go to Orlando who is saving up to buy a boat to live in.