Hi, my name is Levi. I’m 32 years old. I have a 2-year-old daughter and a 9-year-old son, Penelope and Patrick. They are my whole world. Their mom, Felicia, comes in a close second. She is the foundation of my life; she’s what makes these wheels keep turning. I wouldn’t be here if not for her.

I’m not someone who usually asks for help like this, but right now I’m out of options and hoping someone out there might understand my situation.

On April 7th, I’m going to prison for 213 days. Before anyone assumes the worst, I want to be honest: I didn’t commit the crime I’m going in for. But because of the way the system works, I couldn’t beat one of the charges in court. The only way to avoid a much longer sentence was to take a plea deal for something I didn’t do. It wasn’t fair, but it was the only choice I had.

What matters most to me right now is not losing the life I’ve been working so hard to rebuild.

I’m 21 months clean and sober, the longest I’ve ever gone in my life. I’ve fought hard to get here, and I’m proud of it. I’m confident I can stay strong while I’m away. What scares me more is coming home to nothing and having to start completely over again.

Right now, I’m about $2,500 short of being able to keep my life intact while I’m gone. That money would cover:

• My car payment, so I don’t lose the vehicle I worked hard for

• The last month of rent that’s still owed

• My phone bill, which also keeps my lady’s phone on

My family is doing what they can, but they can’t cover everything.

If these bills don’t get paid, I’ll come home to no car, damaged credit, and a lot more obstacles, which makes rebuilding my life that much harder.

The reason I’m asking for help is because I do have a plan when I get out. I’ll be going straight back to the job I have now, and I’ll have a 5-month housing voucher when I return. That means I’ll be saving around $900 a month, and I will absolutely pay back anyone who helps me as fast as I possibly can.

I tried applying for loans, but my credit is still recovering, and no lender will approve me in time before I leave. I’m working on fixing my life and my credit, but I just ran out of time.

If anyone out there feels moved to help — even a few dollars — it would truly mean the world to me. And if you can’t help financially, sharing this post could help it reach someone who might be able to.

My Chime: $Klakatu

I know everyone is struggling in their own way, so I appreciate anyone who even took the time to read this. I’m just trying to hold on to the progress I’ve made so when I come home, I can keep moving forward instead of starting over.

Thank you for hearing me out.