I struggled with the notion of creating a GoFundMe for my fiancé and I. Why? Due to pride, due to embarrassment, due to giving anyone the idea that I, of all people, needed help. Me, a working professional who graduated high school, attended college and worked in management at a major billion dollar company for almost fifteen years. Me, a son and brother and fiancé with a big circle of friends. Me who had a beautiful functioning apartment with a balcony and pool, found himself homeless with his man at his side. Many Americans are only one major crisis away from homelessness. Many of us live paycheck to paycheck with very limited resources. But what happens when those resources run dry? Things can move quickly. First the refrigerator goes bare and you are quickly on your way to Social Services. Then the lights go out and your bargaining with utilities. Then the rent falls behind and your pleading with the landlord. Then the roommate search begins or a possible downsizing to a room for rent: “Hi do you accept a gay couple with two cats?” Then the borrowing and loans begin, all the while feverishly putting in applications and beefing up resumes. Between interviews you begin packing the house because you just received an eviction notice. The sheriff comesin a week and the calls to family begin. They are able to help, but only for a split second until they realize it’s an inconvenience and that they simply can’t live with my husband. He must leave to the streets and so do I with no notice given. Pets are threatened to the pound and belongings put in storage over an argument. I came here to begin again and to leave stronger than I came. This is not the case. Forced to the streets by the same people who claimed to be a savior I gathered some things and put them in my 2001 Corolla. We left that day in disbelief. The wounds that exist now may never heal. Chris and I now live out of our car. I snagged a couple of jobs but when the car broke down I could not make it. So you have it. In just a matter of a few months, a series of specific events can alter your life forever. I have always looked at homeless people who could not function or who had drinking or drug problems, or who simply chose to live that way. While some do, most don’t. I never thought I would be without a home. Finding showers, visiting food pantries and desperately seeking employment. These are my days. I’ve always known most of you as a guy who has it together. A guy who likes expensive things. To many I have been a leader, a mentor and a friend. One thing you may never knew me as was humble. While now I say to each of you that I am embarrassed, I am humbled and whileI have NEVER been good at asking for help, I’m asking you now. Thanks for listening.