On January 26, I was told by my general manager that a lawsuit had been filed against the company contesting my position as FOL, claiming it was due to DEI. Because of this, my position was eliminated, and I was given the choice to take a lower role under one of the people who filed the lawsuit. That felt humiliating, so I left in protest. Since then, I’ve been devastated, with absolutely zero income. I started applying for jobs the moment I walked out of the building and have continued every day since. Despite over 40 years of experience in facility maintenance, environmental health and safety, and operations, I’ve received about 25 rejection emails and have applied everywhere I can think of—including delivery jobs. It’s a waiting game, and so far, it’s only been denials.

I recently purchased a home and a new car, but now I can’t afford my mortgage or utilities, and I’ll have to return my car at the end of this week. I have no family or friends who can help financially, and I’m feeling completely alone and deeply depressed. I’ve even been denied food stamps because I’m considered able-bodied. I have medication at the pharmacy that I can’t afford to pick up because I no longer have insurance. I wouldn’t even ask for help if I didn’t truly need it—this is embarrassing and I feel lower than low at the moment. There have been moments where I don’t even want to wake up, that’s how hard this has been.

If everyone who sees this could donate even a dollar, it would go a long way in helping me keep my phone, lights, and internet on so I can keep applying for jobs and stay connected. Any support would mean the world to me right now, as I’m struggling to keep hope alive. Thank you for reading and for any help you can give.