Severe flooding has destroyed the camping trailer Oliver called home, leaving nearly everything he owned waterlogged and forcing him to rebuild once again. For Oliver, this was not simply a damaged trailer. It was the first safe, private space he had been able to call his own after nearly a year without stable housing. While clearing away his belongings, Oliver told The Associated Press, “I had a door that locked. I had a roof that was mine.” A 33- year-old transgender man with a doctorate degree, Oliver may not be the first person who comes to mind when we think about housing instability—but it can happen to anyone.

After losing his Indianapolis apartment nearly a year ago, he spent months living outdoors and staying with friends during the coldest weather. Determined to regain some stability, Oliver traded his only major asset—his beloved car—for a larger vehicle capable of towing what could become his new home: a well-loved camping trailer from someone who had experienced similar housing instability. A few months ago, Oliver moved the trailer into Indianapolis’ Ravenswood neighborhood. For the first time in months, he had privacy, a locking door and a roof of his own. Things were finally beginning to look up—until the flooding destroyed nearly everything he had worked so hard to build.

We do not yet know exactly what rebuilding will look like, but we know Oliver cannot do it alone. Donations of any amount, messages of encouragement and useful household items can help him take another step toward safety and stability. Please consider helping our friend rebuild. Thank you for reading, donating and sharing Oliver’s story. You can learn more through the AP News video and written story linked below. AP NEWS VIDEO: https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/AfterdevastatingfloodsIndianapolisresidentsfacehousingchallenges/142e6dfe7e7c482589a89642f052cd12/video