I've never asked for financial help in my life. I've always been able to provide for my family. But my wife Nico and I are overwhelmed, and we don't know where else to turn. We are ashamed to need help, but this situation has left us with no other options.
About three years ago, I heard that a woman named Brett—someone I barely knew—was about to be homeless and was giving away two of her three cats because she planned to live in her car. I couldn't let that happen. No one I know will ever go homeless on my watch. We had a cabin my wife inherited, still full of her late father's belongings. We were in the process of clearing it out, hoping to rent it out to help with our finances since I'm on Social Security. Instead, we let Brett move in for a much lower rent, covered her power and water, and welcomed her and all three of her cats. She was a private person. Quiet. She'd text when rent was posted and not much else. Over three years, all three of her cats passed away. We gave her space and didn't pry.
Last month, Brett stopped responding to texts. After several unanswered messages, I told her I'd be calling for a wellness check if I didn't hear back. I met the sheriff's deputy at the cabin and handed him the key. He found her inside. She had been gone for about a week.
Afterward, I had to hire a bio cleanup company, which I paid for with a credit card. I also had to purchase materials to fix the damage the bio crew caused. The floor is destroyed and will need to be replaced, but it is only 768 sq ft. Now, we're facing an unexpected ambulance bill for removing her body, even though we didn't call them. The unexpected costs and damage have put a real strain on our finances, especially after everything we've done to help Brett.
I'm asking for help to repair the cabin and deck, and cover the ambulance bill, so my family can recover from this unexpected hardship. Anything raised beyond those costs will be donated to organizations working to end homelessness. Any support means the world to us, and will help us move forward while continuing to help others.
About three years ago, I heard that a woman named Brett—someone I barely knew—was about to be homeless and was giving away two of her three cats because she planned to live in her car. I couldn't let that happen. No one I know will ever go homeless on my watch. We had a cabin my wife inherited, still full of her late father's belongings. We were in the process of clearing it out, hoping to rent it out to help with our finances since I'm on Social Security. Instead, we let Brett move in for a much lower rent, covered her power and water, and welcomed her and all three of her cats. She was a private person. Quiet. She'd text when rent was posted and not much else. Over three years, all three of her cats passed away. We gave her space and didn't pry.
Last month, Brett stopped responding to texts. After several unanswered messages, I told her I'd be calling for a wellness check if I didn't hear back. I met the sheriff's deputy at the cabin and handed him the key. He found her inside. She had been gone for about a week.
Afterward, I had to hire a bio cleanup company, which I paid for with a credit card. I also had to purchase materials to fix the damage the bio crew caused. The floor is destroyed and will need to be replaced, but it is only 768 sq ft. Now, we're facing an unexpected ambulance bill for removing her body, even though we didn't call them. The unexpected costs and damage have put a real strain on our finances, especially after everything we've done to help Brett.
I'm asking for help to repair the cabin and deck, and cover the ambulance bill, so my family can recover from this unexpected hardship. Anything raised beyond those costs will be donated to organizations working to end homelessness. Any support means the world to us, and will help us move forward while continuing to help others.