Former owner of fishing tackle store has a new home

Larry Mack When an elderly Thousand Oaks man faced an uncertain future, the community pulled together to help him.

Larry Mack, 73, owned Conejo Custom Tackle, a fishing supply store on Thousand Oaks Boulevard, for 22 years. After two strokes, a heart attack, a 30 percent rent increase and slow sales, he found himself living with his dog in the back of his store, waiting to be evicted.

With less than $500 a month to pay for rent, food and all of his other needs, he had no idea what he could do. He'd spent his retirement savings trying unsuccessfully to save the store that had been his livelihood, hoping sales would turn around and that he'd find himself in the black again.

Many Mansions, a nonprofit lowincome housing organization, could offer him little help since the group doesn't have an emergency safety net for people who, like Mack, find themselves in such circumstances, according to Rick Schroeder, executive director of the organization.

Since Mack's situation came to light, Many Mansions has started collecting donations for the Conejo Homeless Prevention and Assistance Fund to aid others who ask for help in avoiding homelessness.

According to Rob Orth, director of operations for ACTION Foundation, a nonprofit organization that helps those in need, the funds will be distributed through Catholic Charities, Lutheran Social Services and other local groups that have a screening process for local homeless people or others in difficult situations.

Mack said he was pleased his experience would bring attention to others in need. He also said he was grateful to those who have given to him personally.

Their help has meant the end of a nightmare and the dawning of new hope.

Because of donations he's received, Mack was able to move into a one-bedroom apartment in Port Hueneme that allows him to keep his dog and accepts a government subsidy for which he's applied. He hopes to get his apartment subsidized in the near future.

He could move into a subsidized apartment for seniors sooner if he were willing to give up his dog, which he's reluctant to do.

"I would have to wait and do that as a last resort. He's my sole source of comfort," Mack said.

If he's careful with his funds, he thinks he can pay for rent, utilities and food for about six months.

Many people dropped by his tackle shop in Thousand Oaks before he moved, he said, and donated dog food for his beloved pet.

"When we take walks, the children love the dog, so he's made many new friends all around our new neighborhood," Mack said.

He hopes being closer to the ocean will help him with his new business- repairing fishing reels, he said.

A checking account is still open in his name for those who'd like to make a donation. Send checks made out to Larry Mack to Santa Barbara Bank and Trust, 101 N. Westlake Blvd., Westlake Village, CA 91362.

Donations can also be made to the Conejo Homeless Prevention and Assistance Fund. Mail checks to Many Mansions, 1459 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Building D, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362.