After being incarcerated for 11 years for the wrong choices I made trying to provide for my son and his mother, I was released by the Department of Corrections with no home, no money, no food, and only hand-stitched clothes and Crocs that were too big. I also had a spider bite on my knee, making it extremely hard to walk. I can't afford antibiotics to heal myself and have been walking around in the sun for nearly two weeks, with my hygiene and clothes deteriorating.

I'm seeking funds to get my life reestablished and get my son back. If I'm able to gather any funds, they will go towards getting my license reinstated, buying a cheap work vehicle, and purchasing painting tools and insurance so I can start my own residential painting company. It's extremely difficult to get hired after reentering society, so I want to create my own opportunity and rebuild my life.

Anyone who has a child, or has ever been homeless, hungry, or locked up can relate to how much it hurts not to be able to take care of your child. I refuse to let life keep me away from my son any longer—he will be 11 in June and doesn't even know I'm his father. When I was 5, my father took his own life, and I promised myself my son would never grow up without a dad. Anything you can do for me would be a near lifesaving experience and an absolute godsend. I don't think I can take too many more nights on the streets, and I’ll be happy to repay anyone willing to help when I get back on my feet.