I’m reaching out because I’ve reached a point where hard work alone isn’t enough to clear the final hurdle in my family's journey. Over the last few years, I have fought one of the hardest battles of my life. I have stayed dedicated to my recovery, maintained full-time employment, and I am currently a college student working toward my professional certification. Most importantly, after a long road with DCFS, I have finally attained the goal of getting my 16-year-old son, Connor, back. Right now, Connor and I are sharing a single rented room. While I am incredibly grateful to have him back under my roof, a single room is not a long-term solution for a teenager and his father. Connor needs the space and dignity of his own bedroom to thrive, study, and feel truly home.
I am working 40+ hours a week, studying for my future, and being the best single father I can be. Your donations will act as the "bridge" to get us into a stable home: the security deposit and first month’s rent for a modest apartment, basic furniture for Connor (a bed, desk, and storage for his things), and essential household items to help us start fresh.
I am doing everything in my power to move us into a one- or two-bedroom apartment, but I am facing a "perfect storm" of financial and systemic barriers. I’ve spent months navigating housing programs and Section 8, only to find years-long waitlists and a bureaucracy that feels impossible to break through. Because I am now working full-time, I am finally in a position to address past mistakes. However, this means a significant portion of my paycheck is currently being garnished for child support arrears for my adult child. Additionally, my tax refunds—which I had hoped to use for a security deposit—have been offset to pay down these old debts. In the Los Angeles market, moving requires thousands of dollars upfront for a deposit and first month's rent. With my income reduced by garnishments and my "safety net" (taxes) taken by the state, saving that lump sum while supporting a teenager and paying for school has become an impossible climb.
If you are able to help—by donating, sharing, or simply offering encouragement—it would mean the world to us. Thank you for reading our story and for considering a gift that will help us build a safe, stable home and a brighter future.
I am working 40+ hours a week, studying for my future, and being the best single father I can be. Your donations will act as the "bridge" to get us into a stable home: the security deposit and first month’s rent for a modest apartment, basic furniture for Connor (a bed, desk, and storage for his things), and essential household items to help us start fresh.
I am doing everything in my power to move us into a one- or two-bedroom apartment, but I am facing a "perfect storm" of financial and systemic barriers. I’ve spent months navigating housing programs and Section 8, only to find years-long waitlists and a bureaucracy that feels impossible to break through. Because I am now working full-time, I am finally in a position to address past mistakes. However, this means a significant portion of my paycheck is currently being garnished for child support arrears for my adult child. Additionally, my tax refunds—which I had hoped to use for a security deposit—have been offset to pay down these old debts. In the Los Angeles market, moving requires thousands of dollars upfront for a deposit and first month's rent. With my income reduced by garnishments and my "safety net" (taxes) taken by the state, saving that lump sum while supporting a teenager and paying for school has become an impossible climb.
If you are able to help—by donating, sharing, or simply offering encouragement—it would mean the world to us. Thank you for reading our story and for considering a gift that will help us build a safe, stable home and a brighter future.
Organizer
