Help Me Reclaim My Van — and My Life

Help Me Reclaim My Van — and My Life

Hi my name is David Bean.

This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to write.

Earlier this year, my business — The Cabin Collective — was shut down overnight. It went into liquidation without warning, and I lost almost everything I’d spent years building. I didn’t just lose a shop — I lost my livelihood, my household, my personal assets and everything I’d poured into that space.

Since then, I’ve been doing my best to rebuild. I’ve kept pushing forward — tattooing, doing gigs, picking up photography work — anything I can to get back on my feet. I’ve managed to keep going, just. Some weeks I can’t cover rent. Some weeks it’s food. I still don’t have basics like a fridge or washing machine or bed, but I’m making do. I’m functioning. I’m surviving.

But now I’ve hit another wall.

My van — which I owned outright — is about to be repossessed in two weeks. Because it was registered under the business, I no longer have a legal claim to it. I’ve exhausted every avenue to repurchase it back - I’ve applied for multiple loans, worked with brokers and done everything I can to raise the funds — but being tied to a liquidation means no one will touch me financially.

Here’s why this van is so important:

It’s how I get to work - tattooing and to gigs. It’s how I transport my photography gear and music equipment to paid jobs. It’s how I take my daughter to school (I have her in shared 50/50 care) and not having a car would make daily life near impossible.

People have suggested to buy a cheap car, but I don’t even have that option right now. Every cent I earn goes straight to bills, rent and keeping myself and my daughters going week to week. I’m stretched tighter than ever.

To be honest, I never thought I’d be writing something like this. I’ve always taken pride in pushing through hard times. But this past year has been brutal. I’ve lost my business, my home, my personal belongings, a lot of people I cared about and more than I can put into words.

Through this period, I’ve been so overwhelmed by the generosity and support from my network and wider community. So many of you have wanted to help and support me through this difficult transition and have asked how you can help me - so here I am asking for help.

I’ve exhausted all avenues to raise the funds to buy back my van from the liquidators at a reduced price. It’s a lifeline — not a luxury — and it would genuinely change everything for me right now.

If you’re doing it tough yourself, I understand completely. But if you can help in any way at all, it will honestly mean more than you know right now and I will never forget it.

With gratitude,

Dave Rumbler