I’m Donald, and I’m starting this fundraiser for myself during a very difficult time. I’m 71 years old, and after surviving homelessness for a decade and a stroke six years ago, I’ve been doing everything I can just to hold on and stay stable. Recently, a supplemental stream of income stopped, and since then the bills have started piling up fast. I’ve even had to borrow money just to keep food in the house. Between rent, utilities, groceries, and ongoing medical expenses, including more than $150 a month for medicines and nutritionals, I’ve been overwhelmed and struggling to keep my head above water.

The support from this fundraiser would help me pay back the money I borrowed for food, catch up on bills that have built up over the past several years, and maintain my small apartment. I’m not asking for luxuries. I’m simply trying to get back to ground level. It would also help me afford basic necessities like clothes and keep my podcast and website going by covering hosting and related costs. I’m working to build something that could help me financially in the future, but right now the stress of survival makes it hard to move forward.

I know times are hard for many people, and I understand if you’re not in a position to help. Even so, thank you for taking the time to read my story. If you can offer support at this critical point in my life, it would mean more to me than I can fully express. Your kindness would help me get through this month, regain some stability, and keep going.