Help Me Rebuild After Losing Everything

My name is Pegen Wilson, and I’m reaching out with a heavy heart and a desperate need for help. In just a matter of days, my entire life was uprooted—through no fault of my own—and I’m now trying to pick up the pieces the best I can.

For nearly six years, I served as the sexton of a historic cemetery, pouring everything I had into preserving and maintaining that sacred ground. I didn’t just work there—I made it my home. I took pride in caring for every headstone, every grave, every inch of that land, often spending my own money on gas, oil, tools, and maintenance when there wasn’t enough funding.

Then, with no warning whatsoever, I was told I had 12 hours to vacate the property. No eviction notice. No explanation. Four police officers showed up and ordered me to leave. I wasn’t shown a shred of humanity.

This had nothing to do with me personally—it was the result of a conflict between my boss and the city. But I was the one who paid the price. I was never involved in the dispute, yet I lost my home, my income, and my stability overnight.

To make things even harder, I had taken in six dogs, including a pregnant mother who had been dumped. I couldn’t abandon them. I had no choice but to pack what I could, drop my belongings at my mom’s house, and drive three hours south to stay with my great aunt—the only person who could take us in.

The city froze our bank accounts before I was able to pay myself for my last week of work. My boss can no longer access the funds either. I’m now left with $14 to my name.

And all of this unfolded just days after the death of my grandmother. I couldn’t be there for my mother, my uncles, or the rest of my grieving family because I was in full-blown crisis. I am mentally drained, emotionally exhausted, and trying to hold it together—but this is the lowest I’ve ever been.

I’m asking for help to get back on my feet. I need a U-Haul to retrieve my belongings and a proper kennel so I can bring my dogs back to safety. I just need a little support to rebuild some stability and move toward healing.

If you can give anything—even $5, or just sharing this link—please know how deeply it is appreciated. I’ve never asked for help like this before, but right now, I truly have no other option.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.