I'm John Ashford Jr. I've worked for Multnomah County Juvenile Department. I have a coworker that needs to move his family for safety concerns. He isn't being supported by our employer, so we decided to create this GoFundMe account to hopefully support his family move to safety.

Help a Father Relocate His Family to Safety

I am reaching out with humility and urgency to ask for your help in protecting myself and my family.

In April 2025, while I was out with my children, I was threatened by a client in a serious incident that nearly resulted in me being harmed. Just an hour later, that same client reportedly attempted to take the lives of his own family. By the grace of God, no one was injured in that shooting — but it revealed how real and immediate the danger was.

In the months that followed, the harassment and threats continued. Despite raising my concerns repeatedly, the county I serve denied my request for support, including help with relocating my family. When I turned to leadership for help, the responses were dismissive and harmful. In one meeting, after I asked for a bulletproof vest, I was told: “A vest won’t stop you from getting shot.” When I was eventually issued a vest, I discovered it was over five years expired. Even after voicing my concerns, I was told it “would work just as well as a new one.” My own research confirmed that expired vests carry a high risk of failure and are not recommended for wear.

In July 2025, my fears were validated when this same youth was apprehended just one block from my home, carrying a loaded firearm with an extended magazine.

For a while, I still tried to convince myself that my family and I could manage. But in August 2025, I learned that this client had moved just one mile from our home. At that point, the danger was no longer avoidable.

Despite also meeting with County Commissioners and filing a formal complaint against leadership, no meaningful action has been taken to ensure my safety or the safety of my loved ones.

Because of this ongoing danger, my children are currently out of the home for their safety. They cannot return until I am able to relocate. We are living in limbo, separated and under constant stress, until we can move to a safer community. My urgent goal is to have my family relocated by October 1st, 2025.

Why I Am Asking for $25,000

I am raising $25,000 to cover the full costs of relocating and reestablishing stability for my family:

Moving expenses (truck rental, movers, packing supplies, deposits, travel): $7,500

Safe housing costs (first month’s rent, last month’s rent, and security deposit): $12,000

Lost wages (time off required during the move and resettling): $3,500

Emergency funds (unexpected costs, utilities setup, and safety measures for the new home): $2,000

How You Can Help

Donate whatever you are able — every contribution brings us closer to safety.

Share this campaign with your networks to spread the word.

Keep us in your prayers and thoughts as we work toward peace and stability.

Your generosity could make the difference between a family forced to live in fear and a family finally able to rebuild in safety. Thank you for standing with us.

With gratitude,

A Concerned Father