Hi, my name is Troy and I’m reaching out during one of the most challenging times of my life.

A year ago, in December, I fell and broke my hip. The recovery has been long and tough, and the financial strain has been relentless. I have worked for nearly 35 years as an electrician. My hip replacement hasn’t gone as smoothly as I would have hoped. Additionally, I developed severe arthritis in both of my hands, preventing me from using my fine motor skills. Rehabilitation has gone slower than I’d hoped. I’m a hunter and a gatherer. Believe me, dealing with the mental aspect of this journey has been tougher than any of the physical pain. Being worthless is much tougher than being worthwhile. Being an electrician is the only thing I have ever known. At the age of 62, the idea of trying to find a new career path and develop new employment skills is daunting to me. I had planned to be an electrician until I die.

Funny how life has plans I didn’t know about.

I’ve done everything I can to stay afloat—cashing in my vacation days, pulling from my IRA until it was depleted, relying on food banks, Medi-Cal, and even the kindness of friends and family through small loans. Despite these efforts, I find myself in an impossible situation when it comes to my home.

The amount I need to raise will help me get through a month with rent and a few big bills coming up. By then, I should have a decision on my disability claim and I’ll know what to do next.

My landlord has given me until the 15th of this month to decide whether I’m staying or leaving my apartment. The problem is, this is a rent-controlled unit, and if I leave, I’ll never be able to afford another place in the Bay Area—a community I’ve proudly called home for over 25 years and cultivated relationships that cannot be duplicated. Home is where the heart is and my heart is here.

I’ve applied for disability, and I’m expecting a decision in the next couple of weeks. However, until then, I have no financial cushion to rely on. This is why I’m turning to the generosity of friends, family, and kind strangers to help me raise the funds I need to stay in my apartment.

This apartment isn’t just four walls to me—it’s my lifeline to the Bay Area, my community, and everything I’ve built over the last quarter-century. Your support, no matter the amount, will help me stay in my home until I can get back on my feet.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. If you’re able to donate, I’d be eternally grateful. And if you can’t, sharing this campaign with others would mean the world to me. When I’m back on my feet, I’ll pay it forward.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Troy