My name is Ronald Owens, and I never imagined I would be here—asking for help just to keep a roof over my head and the lights on.

Recently, I experienced a severe mental health crisis that forced me out of work. What began as something quiet and manageable grew into something overwhelming, something that made even the simplest parts of daily life feel impossible. I reached a point where survival itself became the only focus. There were moments where I didn’t know if I would make it through the night, and seeking help—while necessary—was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.

The process of getting help wasn’t easy. It meant confronting trauma I had buried, sitting with thoughts I was afraid to speak out loud, and admitting that I couldn’t carry everything on my own anymore. It meant choosing to stay when everything in me wanted to disappear. That choice—to survive—came with a cost. Time away from work, mounting bills, and the constant fear of losing my housing.

Right now, I am in recovery. I am trying to rebuild, piece by piece, learning how to stand again after everything has been shaken. But I am facing immediate financial strain—rent, utilities, and basic living expenses that I simply cannot meet while I stabilize my health and work toward returning to employment.

This is incredibly difficult to share. Asking for help feels vulnerable in a way that’s hard to describe. But I know I am not alone, and I am holding onto the hope that with support, I can make it through this chapter.

If you are able to contribute, no matter the amount, it would go directly toward keeping me housed and helping me continue my recovery journey. Even sharing this means more than I can say.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and for helping me choose survival, one day at a time.