Over the past two years, I have faced six surgeries, the most recent being for cancer. This has left me mostly bedridden, and although I just finished physical therapy, I am still unable to do any of the physical labor needed to improve my situation. My live-in caregiver, Liz, has been by my side through it all, doing her best to help with paying bills, rent, utilities, and food. She works long hours at a job an hour and a half away, and when she’s not working, she’s here cooking meals, cleaning, and making sure I have what I need.

We are trying to move into a home that Liz obtained from her family, but we didn’t know about all the damage to the property. We can’t get the power turned on until a home inspection is passed, but the house won’t pass in its current state. There are over five hundred feet of trees growing through the power lines that need to be cleared, and baby trees have grown right up to the house. The well was damaged, the roof needs to be replaced, and water leaks have ruined most of the floors and ceilings. To make things worse, someone broke in and stole our water heater and HVAC unit, and both the front and back doors were broken during the break-in.

Because of all these issues, I have to keep paying rent where I am now, and I’m already behind. My Social Security was cut in half, so I’m living on a very limited income. Liz is doing everything she can, even staying in the one livable bedroom at the new house during her work shifts, using a generator for heat and air, and bottled water for basic needs. We are reaching out for help so we can finally have a safe place to live together. Any support you can give will make a huge difference in our lives.