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Help Jason Serve the Recovery Community
0% complete
$455 raised of
5 donations
My name is Jason Rowe, and I’m determined to rebuild my life, in Traverse City, MI, after years of loss, addiction, and homelessness. Seven years ago, I found my wife of 29 years dying on our kitchen floor, a trauma that plunged me into heavy drinking to escape nightmares and grief. I lost everything—my home, possessions, and very nearly my health—ending up in a homeless encampment in June 2024. Today, I’m 10 months sober, with lifelong struggles like migraines, fibromyalgia, anxiety, and chronic fatigue finally in remission or managed. For the first time, I feel ready to pursue goals that serve to express my gratitude for the community that has done so much for me.
I’m a US Army veteran, and despite a short enlistment (two years), I was promoted three times. I’m also a former Domino’s Pizza manager, public accountant, and college accounting instructor; I enjoyed mentoring others in all these occupations. Despite disabilities like a “trick knee” (avulsed patella ligament) and chronic pain (mainly osteoarthritis), my sobriety and renewed energy fuel a deeply felt mission to serve Traverse City’s recovery community. Guided by my deep faith, I aim to use my strengths—connecting, teaching, and inspiring people—to start support groups and donate essentials like undergarments, socks, shoes, feminine hygiene products, and joint braces, which are often in short supply.
My immediate need is to purchase a reliable used car to stay mobile for work and recovery meetings, a critical step to escape homelessness and serve others. My 2011 Chevy Impala requires over $9,000 in repairs, more than its $5,000 value. Instead, I’m raising $7,500 to buy a dependable used car (e.g., a 2015–2018 Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla, ~$6,500–$7,000, per local listings) and cover funding fees (~$500, 2.9% + $0.30/donation). A reliable car will ensure I can attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, pursue job opportunities, and deliver donations to facilities like the homeless shelter Safe Harbor, and recovery-related organizations in the area.
This $7,500 campaign is my initial goal. If I receive more, I’ll increase donations to local recovery programs, providing essentials like socks, hygiene products, and joint braces to support those in recovery. Future goals include securing stable housing ($7,500 for rent and furnishings), repaying debts ($12,900, including $9,000 to a friend who sacrificed his retirement savings to help me), and starting support groups ($500 for space and materials). I’ll pursue these incrementally, ensuring every step supports my mission.
Every dollar will go toward purchasing a car (via a reputable dealer) or fees. Excess funds will primarily boost recovery donations, with any remainder supporting local recovery homes and other facilities. Traverse City’s community—through Alcoholics Anonymous, Father Fred Foundation, and Safe Harbor—has been my lifeline. Inspired by my faith and a very much feeling like a phoenix rising from the ashes, I’m ready to rebuild and lift others up. Your support will restore my mobility, paving the way for a stable home and a mission to serve those battling addiction. Thank you for helping me—and others—find a new beginning.
LINK TO IMPALA REPAIR ESTIMATE: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EgdIe8ktTkBaFdivmxh0QaJCJlqhm1iu/view?usp=sharing
LINK TO PHOTO OF IMPALA AT REPAIR SHOP:
My Undisclosed Location (Latitude: 44.629602 Longitude: -81.265082):
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