Help Me Keep My Home, My Hope, and My Dog

Hi, my name is Devin. I’m 37 years old, a veteran, and currently unemployed—facing the hardest chapter of my life.

In November 2023, I was charged with a DUI after a trip to the grocery store, I was at a red light waiting to turn, with my driver's side tires barely touching the faded yellow line marking the left side of the turn lane. The case has still not been fully adjudicated which has run up my costs.

Because I lost my license, I was fired in July 2024—even after showing up to work every day for 7 months after the charge. I had been with that company for 5 years. My boss fought hard to keep me, assuring HR that I could do my job from the office or home and didn’t need to drive. But HR still let me go and denied me unemployment, claiming a valid license was a requirement—despite the fact I never drove for the role.

It’s been a downward spiral ever since.

I’ve applied to over 70 jobs. I finally have three interviews lined up, but I have no way to get there other than Uber, which I’ve been putting on a credit card I can’t afford to pay off. Once I get hired, I’ll still need to Uber to and from work—meaning I’ll be working 2–3 hours of every shift for free, just to cover the ride.

My lease ends in July, and I have two weeks to tell my landlord whether I can renew. Right now, I can’t afford rent. I’ve already had to cancel my dog’s food delivery and am cutting back everywhere just to survive.

I also live with depression, anxiety, and PTSD. I’m doing everything I can to stay grounded and keep going—but it’s incredibly hard. I never thought I’d be here, asking for help, but this is truly a last resort.

And there’s one more thing: Bella, my 1-year-old Serbian Husky. She’s my only friend, my support, and my reason to keep going. To make ends meet, I’ll need to work two jobs—but I have no idea how I’ll care for her while working 60–80 hours a week. I can’t afford to board her, and the thought of giving her up would absolutely break me. She's all the love and hope I have left.

If you’re able to donate—no matter the amount—it would help me stay housed, get to work, and most importantly, keep Bella by my side while I rebuild.

Thank you so much for reading my story. Your support—whether through a donation or just sharing this—means more than I can ever express.

Any money received will be going directly to Rent, Electric/Gas, and Uber Cost. I have to take an Uber just to get to these interviews and if a job offer is received I will be taking an Uber to and from work as well.

— Devin

UPDATE 5/21/2025: First and foremost, I want to sincerely thank everyone who’s taken the time to read my story and support me during what’s been a very difficult 18 months. Seeing so many familiar names, especially from high school, show up for me has been incredibly moving. Your kindness and generosity truly mean the world.

Thanks to your support, I can finally breathe a little easier. Every donation, message, and share has helped lift some of the weight I’ve been carrying.

Now for a bit of good news: I had a job interview this morning at a warehouse about 20 minutes from where I live. I was offered the position on the spot, and I accepted! As long as everything clears with the background check and drug test, I’ll soon be fully employed again.

Thank you all so much! From the bottom of my heart, for being part of this turning point in my journey. I’m beyond grateful. Please feel free to reachout to me with any questions or concerns you may have. Also feel free to share this with any and everyone you think needs to see it.