I’m writing this with a tremendous amount of embarrassment, fear, and humility. I’ve spent much of my adult life serving others as a paramedic, helping complete strangers during some of the worst moments of their lives. Today, I’m the one who desperately needs help.

Recently, I unexpectedly lost my job after my employer eliminated my position. I was unemployed for approximately three weeks before securing another job. Thankfully, I’m now back to work, but that interruption in income has left me facing eviction from my home in South Texas.

I’m not unemployed. I’m not refusing to work. I’m working to get back on my feet. Unfortunately, my paycheck won’t arrive in time to save my home.

I’ve contacted numerous churches, charities, and assistance organizations. Unfortunately, I’ve repeatedly encountered three major obstacles:

I’ve also tried working directly with my apartment complex, asking for a temporary payment arrangement, an extension, or even a brief hold on the eviction until my first paycheck arrives. Unfortunately, they have been unwilling to work with me on any arrangement that would give me the time I need.

It’s incredibly discouraging to work hard, contribute to society, and discover that when you’re the one facing a crisis, you fall through the cracks.

What I Need to Save My Home

As of Saturday, October 17, the amount needed to stop my eviction is $2,211.

Unfortunately, beginning Sunday, October 18, my apartment complex requires that I pay the outstanding balance PLUS November’s rent of $1,867 before they will agree to stop the eviction.

That brings my fundraising goal to $4,078.

I know raising $2,211 in a single day is unlikely, which is why I’m asking for help covering the full amount that will soon be required.

I’m not asking for months of financial support. I’m asking for the opportunity to bridge this temporary gap, keep my home, and continue working toward financial stability.

Why I Couldn’t Put My Last Dollars Toward Rent

With the little money I had remaining, I faced an impossible choice.

I had to make my car payment because my vehicle is how I get to work. As a paramedic working long shifts, often overnight, reliable transportation is essential. Losing my vehicle would put my new job at risk and eliminate my ability to earn the income I desperately need.

I also had to pay my phone bill because having a working phone is a requirement of my job. I need to be reachable by my employer and maintain the communication necessary for my employment.

These weren’t luxury purchases or unnecessary expenses. They were payments I had to make to protect my ability to keep working.

I found myself having to choose between paying bills necessary to maintain my employment and putting that money toward rent. Either choice carried the possibility of losing everything.

My Animals Are My Family

I share my home with my two dogs, Sophie and Naya, and my two cats, Riker and Seven. They depend on me for everything.

I moved to Texas from Indiana, and I have no friends or family here to turn to. Everyone I know and love is approximately 1,200 miles away.

If I’m evicted, I have no nearby family to stay with, no spare bedroom waiting for me, and no financial resources to move my belongings into storage or secure another place to live.

The very real possibility is that my animals and I will be forced to live in my vehicle, around the clock.

I’ve experienced homelessness before, and the thought of going through it again is absolutely devastating.

This apartment is more than just a roof over my head. It’s the first place I’ve truly felt at home since losing my mother’s house in Indiana in 2023. After everything I’ve been through, I’ve finally begun to feel like I have a place in this world again.

The thought of losing that, along with the possibility of having to surrender animals I love like family, is almost more than I can bear.

Why I’m Asking

I’ve always believed in hard work, personal responsibility, faith, and helping your neighbors when they’re struggling. I’ve never expected someone else to carry my responsibilities.

But sometimes even people who do everything they can to help themselves need someone to extend a hand.

I’m doing my part. I’ve found another job. I’m working. I’m trying every avenue available to me. I just need enough help to keep from losing everything before my first paycheck arrives.

I’m not asking anyone to fund a lifestyle I cannot afford. I’m asking for a chance to recover from an unexpected loss of employment without losing my home in the process.

I’ve spent years answering calls for help from complete strangers, regardless of who they were, what they believed, or whether they could afford the care they needed.

Today, I’m humbly asking for that same kindness.

If you can contribute, even $5 or $10, it would mean more than I can express. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser could help it reach someone who can.

And if you’re someone who believes that hardworking Americans deserve a fighting chance when life knocks them down, I hope you’ll consider helping me keep mine.

Thank you for reading, for sharing, for praying, and for any kindness you’re able to offer.

God bless you, and God bless America.