I’m really struggling and don’t know where else to turn, so I’m sharing this honestly and with a lot of vulnerability.

I unexpectedly lost my job right before December. I was counting on my last three paychecks to help me stabilize, but my employer never paid them. Since then, everything has spiraled as I was already behind on quite a bit before December. I’m in the negative and trying to figure out how to cover December and January rent, keep my electricity on, and buy basic groceries.

I am also trying to find consistent transportation as I am without a car and it is tough. I have been using public transit as much as I can, but it unfortunately is not always reliable and I am trying my best to find something consistent so I can also find consistent work.

This year has just been full of loss after loss and I just don't feel like I can get ahead. I am struggling deeply. I don't really like to ask for help, but I feel like I have finally hit what feels like rock bottom. I do not have a single dollar to my name, and I am just trying my best to keep going.

The last six months have been extremely hard. I’ve been dealing with mental and physical health issues that made working consistently really difficult, and I’ve been trying to recover and get back on my feet. I’ve been interviewing for jobs all month and I’m hopeful something will come through, but right now I don’t have income and I’m falling further behind instead of catching up.

Asking for help is not something I do easily. I’ve tried to handle this on my own for as long as I could, but I’ve reached a point where I can’t do it alone anymore. Just help getting caught up enough to stay housed, keep the lights on, and make it through this stretch.

One of the hardest parts of all of this is that I’m in the process of surrendering both of my cats and my dog because I’m scared I won’t have a safe place to live. Making that decision has been heartbreaking, but I want to make sure they’re cared for no matter what happens to me.

I don’t have family I can ask, so asking the community feels really vulnerable. I know everyone is struggling in their own ways, which makes this even harder to share. If you’re able to help in any way — donating or even just sharing — it would mean more than I can put into words.

When I am able to get back on my feet, I promise to give back and pay this kindness forward when I can. Thank you for reading and for being here.