A Father’s Plea: We’re Holding On, But Barely

My name is Jonathan. I am a husband, a father, and the sole provider for my family of five. My wife and I have three young kids—ages 4, 6, and 10—who need me to stay strong. But right now, my strength is failing.

I have been homeless since I was 15. I have battled through life without family, fought my way to stability, and built a life from nothing. I have always found a way. Until now.

Everything Came Crashing Down

Years ago, I injured my back helping a friend start his business. He promised to pay for my recovery—but once I was hurt, he disappeared. I was left to heal alone, in pain, with no support. Somehow, I pushed through, built a career in welding, and kept moving forward.

Then, just as life was stabilizing, I re-injured my back. This injury is unpredictable—the simplest thing can trigger it: sitting wrong, standing too long, even sleeping in the wrong position. Some days I can move. Some days, I can’t.

I was forced to take unpaid time off, and my wife—who had just been laid off—used her entire severance to keep us afloat. That money was supposed to last months. It’s gone. She has put herself into debt, all while dealing with the extreme stress and uncertainty of this situation. Her health is now at risk, but we have no choice.

One Last Effort—And Disaster Struck

The moment my back felt even slightly better, I did what I always do—I went to work. After the snowstorm, I saw people struggling and started doing snow removal to help our community and was literally only charging enough to cover my gas.

Then, my 2013 Ram 1500 Sport 5.7L Hemi V8—my only source of income—was destroyed.

On my way to help someone out in NDG, I got stuck in three feet of snow. While trying to get out, something underneath tore off, cracking my engine oil pan. My power steering failed. My ABS and traction control lights came on. In seconds, my truck was crippled—and my ability to provide for my family was gone.

We Are Out of Options

I can’t work in my field anymore due to my back injury and it's unpredictability - My truck is my livelihood.

We have no money left. My wife’s severance is gone, and she doesn’t qualify for EI until summer.

Our three kids are depending on us.

My wife’s health is at risk. The stress of this has put her in a dangerous place.

I have spent my life helping others. I stop for strangers in medical emergencies, I check in on the homeless, I give what I can—because I know what it’s like to have no one. I have survived car accidents and still got up the next day to help someone else. I always find a way.

But today, I can’t.

I never thought I would have to ask for help like this, but I fear this was the final straw. If you can donate—anything—it will help keep my family afloat. If you can’t donate, please share.

How Your Support Will Help

Your generous contributions will directly fund the essential repairs needed to get my truck back on the road, enabling me to support my family once more. The estimated costs for parts and labor in Montreal, Quebec, ( based on a general Google search ) are as follows:

Comprehensive Vehicle Inspection: Approximately $200

Engine Oil Pan Replacement: Approximately $1,200

Power Steering System Repair: Approximately $1,000

ABS and Traction Control System Repair: Approximately $800

Front Bumper Replacement: Approximately $1,500

Wheel Alignment: Approximately $150

Please note that these are rough estimates; actual costs may vary based on specific repair shop rates and the extent of the damage.

Thank you