At the age of 63, I'm finding it impossible to get hired for a job that pays enough to cover rent, utilities, and cat food. Despite a 35-year career as a Design Engineer, three critical surgeries set me back, and now I'm facing age discrimination and a long gap in employment. My savings have run out, and I'm on the verge of eviction, with rent day looming. The local Food Pantry has been kind enough to help with food, but the fear of losing my home and my two cats is overwhelming. I know I can get hired somewhere if I just have more time to keep applying, but right now, I don't know what else to do.

Every dollar raised will go directly to pay for rent, utilities, internet, and cat food. I'm living on a stripped-down, minimalist, survival budget with no extras or luxuries. My only goal is to keep a roof over my head and care for my cats while I continue my job search.

I'm an Army Veteran. I was a Paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. Also, I've always tried to give back by volunteering my time to wildlife charities, including many years at the Carolina Raptor Center; and by teaching people about wildlife on Quora. I've been a Wildlife Worker and Researcher for 30 years. If you're interested in learning fascinating facts about wildlife and why they act like that... think like that... and look like that... you can find me by googling 'Stefan Pociask Quora' or go here: https://www.quora.com/profile/Stefan-Pociask

I couldn't be prouder to have helped many thousands of others understand the behaviors & evolution of all the animals we share this planet with. But right now, with great difficulty, I have to humble myself to ask for your help until I can pay my bills again. It may only be a week, or it may be a month—I simply don't know. There has to be someone, somewhere, who sees the value of a Design Engineer with 3 1/2 decades on the job. I will find them. Heck, I can even go back to being a Draftsman, if need be. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for any kindness or support you can offer during this extremely challenging time.