Housing, Car, & School for Queer Detroit Youth

Charles is an 18 year old black queer youth who urgently needs to get into safe housing. He has been apprenticing me (Ash of My Sidekick Dog Training) and is on his way to becoming the first and only black Force-Free Dog Trainer in the city of Detroit. Charles is an extremely caring individual with a passion for animals. He has three personal dogs, the first of whom he rescued when he was only thirteen. He explains that his love for dogs came about so strongly because they filled a void of love and affection that he needed growing up. Charles dedicates all the time he can to the Bark Nation Pitness Protection Program, where he helps care for survivors of dog fighting and canine cruelty with his excellent dog handling skills and unconditional love for the dogs. Charles also has a passion for social justice, and is active with an immigrant rights organization, One Michigan. He currently lives in a house that he describes as falling apart and full of rats, where there is regular gun violence. He has been personally shot at by someone within his home because he is gay. Charles is verbally abused on a regular basis for being gay and for caring so much for his dogs. The house he lives in will have no heat for the fall and winter. These funds will go towards the first few months of rent in a house where he and his dogs can be warm and safe. Charles wishes to find a job with animals , or any job really, until he can be a full time dog trainer, but there has been a lot of obstacles. He has struggled to find employment because he was underage and has no transportation. I have personally been investing in Charles for the past two years that I've known him, because his passion for animals and dog training is really special. I care about him a lot. He just turned 18 so now he can finally get out of his terrible living situation. Charles is going to make a big difference in our city; through his animal welfare efforts, as a dog trainer, and as a friend to those who need one. Please consider donating anything you can, even a small amount would be so deeply appreciated. As a member of the force free dog training community, animal welfare community, and queer community, I believe that we can all come together to support this precious youth. Thank you so much for your support.