Hello, my name is Jerry Ferguson. I’ve been working hard to stay on my feet, but I recently learned I’ll be losing my home within the next 2–3 months. My grandparents’ house still has a mortgage, and after they passed, a relative has been carrying the burden of the payments for as long as they could. They recently told me they can’t continue, and the house must be sold.

I have a job and I’m doing everything I can. I bring home about $1,975 a month after insurance. But with rent prices rising, the loss of my SNAP benefits, and the added cost of dog-friendly housing, I simply can’t afford to secure a new place on my own in the time I have left.

Utilities alone average $230–$290. Internet will likely increase to around $70 once I move. My food costs are now fully out-of-pocket since I no longer qualify for SNAP. And while I hope to find rent around $700, the reality is that most pet-friendly units—especially those without breed restrictions—cost more.

Not long ago, I also had to leave my old job to help care for my grandmother when her dementia suddenly got worse. I was doing most of the caregiving myself, and even though it was incredibly hard, I don’t regret it. She raised me, and I wanted to be there for her. But caring for her meant losing my stability for a while, and it took time to rebuild after she passed.

During all of that, and even now, my dog Bucky has been the one who keeps me grounded. He’s a pitbull, and he’s my emotional anchor through depression, autism-related challenges, and the stress of caregiving and starting over. He’s not just a pet to me—he’s family. Losing him isn’t an option, and I hope no one would expect me to.

Because of his breed, though, housing is harder to find and more expensive. Many rentals have restrictions, higher deposits, and monthly pet fees, which makes moving even more difficult.

I’m trying my best to stay strong, but the truth is I’m scared. I’ve never known how to ask for help or how to believe I deserve more than the bare minimum. I’m autistic, and sometimes that makes it hard for me to see my own value.

But I know one thing: I don’t want to lose my dog. The thought of having to give him up just to afford a place to live is something that breaks me. I’m asking for help so I don’t have to make that impossible choice.

I’m asking for a miracle because I don’t know how to do this alone.

The funds will help with:

First month’s rent

Security deposit

Pet deposits and pet rent

Application fees

Moving costs

Basic furniture and essentials

Food and utilities during the transition

A cushion to help me adjust to higher monthly costs

Medical deductible and emergencies (my insurance deductible ranges from $1,600 to $3,000)

This will give me a chance to move somewhere safe and stable without losing everything I’ve worked for. I’m terrified of being alone in this, and I’m terrified of losing my home and my dog. But I’m still trying. I’m still working. I’m still doing everything I can.

I’m reaching out because I need help—more help than I can ask from the people around me. Any amount you can give means more than I can say. Even sharing this page helps.

Thank you for reading, and thank you for caring.

— Jerry & Bucky

Q: Why do you need help right now?

A family member can no longer afford the mortgage on my grandparents’ house, so it has to be sold. I have about 2–3 months before I need to move out, and I don’t have the savings to cover deposits, pet fees, and the higher monthly costs that come with moving.

Q: Don’t you have a job?

Yes. I bring home about $1,975 a month after insurance. But rent, utilities, food, and pet costs have all gone up, and I no longer have SNAP. My income isn’t enough to cover move-in costs or the increased monthly expenses.

Q: Why is your dog such a big part of the cost?

My dog, Bucky, is a pitbull, and many rentals have breed restrictions, higher deposits, and extra monthly fees. He’s my emotional support and the reason I’ve gotten through my hardest years. Giving him up is not an option for me.

Q: Why can’t you get government assistance?

I no longer qualify for SNAP, and local housing programs have long waitlists. I’m trying to stay independent and keep my job, but I need temporary help to make it through this transition.

Q: What will the donated money go toward?

It will cover deposits, rent, pet fees, moving costs, food, utilities, basic needs, and part of my medical deductible if anything unexpected happens.

Q: What if donations exceed the goal?

Anything extra will go toward keeping me and Bucky safely housed, fed, and stable for as long as possible. I’m not looking for luxury—just stability and a chance to stay on my feet.