I do not usually like to ask for help and have always tried to handle things on my own, but this past year has been incredibly tough. I’ve faced medical expenses for bronchoscopies, and then, within just six months, I lost four uncles and several other relatives. As I was still coping with those losses, my car was stolen, forcing me to spend everything I had saved to get another vehicle. Just as I was starting to get back on my feet, my apartment flooded due to negligence from the maintenance staff. With three separate insurance deductibles to pay, everything I had worked so hard to save for a downpayment on a home was wiped out. Despite all of this, I’ve continued working as a teacher, even taking on night classes to help adults earn their high school equivalencies. I know I’ll never make a fortune in this profession, but I love what I do and want to stay in the area where I have a secure job. Unfortunately, the assistance available for teachers doesn’t go far in today’s housing market, and I simply can’t take on another job to save up more. I am hoping to use any support I receive to put toward a downpayment on a home. I don’t need anything fancy—just a safe, stable place to call my own. If you feel compelled to donate, please know that your support will help me move forward and finally feel like I have a home, not just a place to survive. I appreciate all of you, even if you cannot donate. Friendships are highly valued above all of this, and your kindness means the world to me.