Hi, I’m Scotty Ginett, and I’m asking for help covering basic living expenses as I rebuild my life and health.

In 2019, I moved to Chicago for an incredible opportunity with a nonprofit organization. Unfortunately, my position was eliminated in 2023 due to budget constraints. Since then, I’ve been actively searching for work, but ongoing health challenges and a difficult job market have made the process much harder than expected.

This past September, I moved back home to Rochester, N.Y., to focus on recovery and start fresh. Within days of arriving, I was hospitalized for nearly a week, and was hospitalized again in October. After two years of worsening symptoms, I was finally diagnosed with ulcerative colitis—a serious bowel disease that requires long-term treatment and careful management.

Now that I’m receiving proper care, my health is beginning to stabilize, and I’m renewing my job search with hope and determination. However, I don’t qualify for unemployment benefits, and I’m struggling to cover basic expenses such as personal care items, clothing, utilities, and groceries. (I receive SNAP benefits, but haven’t yet for this month due to the government shutdown.)

Over the past two and a half years, I’ve faced homelessness, food insecurity, joblessness, and serious health challenges. As E. B. White said, “Hang on to your hat. Hang on to your hope. And wind the clock, for tomorrow is another day.”

Your support will help me stay afloat while I continue healing and searching for steady work. Every donation—no matter the size—makes a real difference and brings me closer to regaining stability and independence.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for your kindness and generosity.