From the Cold to a Place Called Home: Ashland Community Rallies to Help Robert Byers Through One Woman’s Compassion
ASHLAND — In a time when the cold of winter can feel overwhelming—especially for those with nowhere to call home—one Ashland resident chose compassion over comfort and action over indifference.
What began as a simple act of kindness by Chelsea Neumann has grown into a powerful reminder of what a caring community can accomplish when one person decides to see a neighbor not as a problem, but as a person.
Chelsea, a local resident and employee at Ashland Job and Family Services, noticed a homeless man named Robert Byers—a familiar face to many in the community. Where others may have seen only his struggles, Chelsea saw his humanity.
“This is my friend Robert,” Chelsea wrote in a Facebook post that quickly spread through local pages. “He has a heart of gold. Yes, he has mental issues and talks to himself, but if you get to know him he’s a caring person… No need to be alarmed or scared.”
Knowing winter was in full gear and temperatures were dropping, Chelsea began personally paying to place Robert in a hotel whenever she could. When her own resources ran thin, she turned to the community—not for recognition, but for help.
“I don’t care if it’s even a dollar,” she wrote. “It’s going to be a cold winter and this man is homeless.”
Donations began to arrive—Cash App contributions, GoFundMe support, and even random cash gifts. Slowly but surely, Robert was kept warm, fed, and safe. But Chelsea’s goal was never temporary relief. She wanted something lasting.
That determination caught the attention of her husband, Abe Neumann, who shared a heartfelt tribute to his wife’s quiet perseverance.
“For the last month or so, she has been on a journey to help one of Ashland’s homeless men,” Abe wrote. “She saw a side of Robert that many never got to see—his kindness and willingness to give you what little he had.”
Through Chelsea’s efforts, long-lost family connections were reestablished. Support networks formed. And then, just as winter’s harshest days approached, the moment everyone hoped for finally arrived.
Robert Byers signed a lease for his own apartment.
“Today, Robert signs a lease for his own apartment, just in time for the brunt of winter to hit,” Abe shared. “I can’t say enough how proud I am to call you mine.”
Additional support came from Robert’s family as well. His nephew, Jeff Gierhart, launched a GoFundMe titled “Robert Byers Housing,” explaining that Robert’s medical conditions and limited income had made stability difficult—but not impossible with community support.
“Anything, along with prayers, will be helpful,” Gierhart wrote.
What makes this story resonate isn’t just the outcome—it’s the path. One woman chose to look beyond labels. A community chose to respond. And a man who once faced winter alone now has a place to call home.
While Robert has taken a major step forward, the journey is not yet complete. Donations are still needed to help cover ongoing expenses as he transitions into stable housing, including food, basic necessities, and continued support during the winter months.
Anyone who would like to help or contribute in any way is encouraged to contact Chelsea Neumann directly, who continues to lead this effort with the same compassion and dedication that started it all.
In Ashland, compassion didn’t just warm hearts—it opened doors.
