Keep my family off the street

Hi, my name is John. I am asking for help to stay in my apartment while transitioning jobs. I am asking for help because I am tired of saying, "Surely someone will see that I'm barely holding on. Someone will notice that I'm not okay."

I am a single father of 3. I invited my sister and her five kids to stay with me after she was displaced following my mother's passing. That makes eight kids and two adults in a two-bedroom apartment. I told her, "I don't have much, but you have a whole brother." Her youngest is too young for daycare, making it hard to find work. I am the only income.

Recently, I decided to end my 16-year career teaching high school theatre. The teaching part I could do forever, but the good old-fashioned Ballantye racism, not so much. I have been advised not to discuss the particulars of my experience. Suffice it to say; it was bad enough to secure legal counsel and take action.

Last week, my youngest nephew pulled a bowl of melted butter off the counter all over his beautiful face. While we are still waiting to see the full extent of the hospital bills, this has crippled a stumbling single-income home. Anything you do to help us will be a blessing.