Hi. My name is Josh. I am on a single income and only just last year finally barely broke over the threshold of what is considered low-income in my city.

Unfortunately, last year I was forced to get a new furnace when it went out in the middle of winter, and at that time discovered that my air conditioner had also gone out. Shortly after replacing them, my water heater also started pouring into my basement, and I was forced to replace it as well. I had to put all of those replacements on credit cards, on top of other debt that was already accruing. But with high interest on credit cards and other loans, I'm just digging deeper each month because I don't have any money left in my budget for even things like groceries, so I end up putting them on credit cards too.

And now, on top of everything else, my chimney is leaking into my house as bricks fall off. The flashing and lining have failed and now plaster and parts of the ceiling are falling in as this orange gunk flows in. I have been informed that the roof needs fully replaced, along with all the gutters, but I just can't afford to address any of these issues. And none of this even addresses the leaks and plumbing issues in the basement, which I just can't bring myself to even think much about.

At this point, payment and loans are all coming due and overwhelming me and my budget. I am doing everything I can to not lose my house, which is nowhere near paid off, as payments on my double mortgage are a huge portion of my monthly budget. I have taken out multiple personal loans. Credit card debt and loan repayments are swallowing me whole. I have chosen to start only eating once a day to save money; this on top of already having cut out all frivolous purchases like alcohol, fast food, entertainment, etc.. I don't have much close family, and they are not in a position to help me, due to their fixed budgets and situations. I am actively doing everything I can to not put any purchases at all on any credit cards. But to do so, I'm going to have to take out a final loan, but I'm limited on what I can take.

I hate to ask for support, which is how I have gotten so in debt over the last couple of years. I have continually tried to get a raise or a promotion at work, but I have been unable to get either. My job does not offer overtime, so I am limited to my fixed budget. I am asking for any assistance in working at least part of the way to squared away on some of these things. If I'm successful in raising funds, I plan to continue living this tight existence and budget (and not using any credit cards for any purchases) to prevent this from ever happening again! I dream of one day seeing any money at all in a savings account, but with current interest and repayment plans, I am 45 years away from that, which just sounds crazy when written down!

Every day, I cry and can hardly breathe for not seeing a way out of this massive hole. I tried to work with a debt consolidation group, but they required I destroy my credit and there was no guarantee of success. Since making that mistake, they have now stolen over $400 from me each month as I continue to fight with them to cancel my enrollment. I can't get out from under them and now have even less money to pay toward bills as this company "works to refund me" what they assure me they cannot keep, but I've yet to see any reversal.

I would greatly appreciate any support in my journey to at least pay off my home mechanical systems! The furnace, air conditioning, and water heater (and associated upgrades to my 107 year old house I had to do to install them) cost a total of over $16,500. Then with interest and other bills that resulted, I would need $20,000 to get this part of my debt cleared. That doesn't put me paid off on all debt, but it should allow me to refocus my money to other debts. If I can raise more funds to also pay down other credit cards and loans, that would be ideal. But I just need at least a couple of these things paid off to start making progress. My goal is $20,000 to pay off the mechanicals, interest, and associated balances.

Any support is greatly valued and appreciated!