Doctor’s Orders: No Working 6wks - Reality: Rent Is Due now.

Hello friends,

My name is Benson, and I’m reaching out during a period of profound struggle and overwhelming challenges. Over the past four months, I’ve fought for every opportunity to continue to stand on my own feet again, and it feels like every time I get a foothold, the ground shifts away.

First, a promising business deal collapsed under the weight of the tariff war with Canada. Then, a new job managing sewing machine sales at JoAnn Fabrics evaporated when the company announced bankruptcy and the closure of all stores. Determined, I pressed on and secured another position at a furniture store—only to be hospitalized just as my second week of training began.

Today, I am home recovering with a PICC line for IV medications, under orders from my podiatrist, infectious disease specialist, and primary care physician: No standing for long periods. No lifting anything heavier than five pounds. (For perspective: even a gallon of milk is too heavy.)

I am fighting despair and despondency every single day.

Because the truth is—I want to work. I love to work.

But my body needs time to heal properly so that I can return to the furniture store, finish training, and start earning again.

The thought of losing this home and facing homelessness, again, terrifies me more than I can say. I had truly hoped I would never have to ask for help again in this way. But life had other plans.

So here I am, humbly reaching out.

To make it through these next 6–8 weeks, I need help covering basic survival costs:

• $2,500 for rent and bills (2 months)

• $300 for groceries for 2 months’ (for myself and my two beloved dogs)

• $765 (this is just the first round) for co-pays and medical bills (to continue receiving visiting nurse care and necessary doctor visits)

Meanwhile, I’m not sitting idle:

I will also be popping up my fabric and trims shop in Milford over the next month, offering what I can while honoring my physical limits.

If you can donate, share, or even just send some encouragement my way, it means the world.

Your help keeps a roof over my head, food on my table, medicine in my veins—and hope burning in my heart.

Thank you for believing in someone still fighting to rebuild.

With gratitude and fierce hope,

Benson III