My name is Justin, and I never thought I’d be writing something like this. Just a few days ago, my life was turned upside down when I was a victim of Domestic Violence this week, , I had no choice but to leave immediately. Now, I’m roaming the streets of downtown Seattle with my dog, the only family I have by my side.

On top of everything, I recently had major surgery and was hospitalized for complications. After developing an infection, I was released just last week. Trying to recover while homeless has been overwhelming—I know now what rock bottom truly feels like.

I want to be very clear: I am not struggling with substance abuse. I don’t even drink anymore. Please don't think any less of me for my situation, My only fight right now is for stability, safety, and the chance to rebuild my life.

I’ve been wearing the same clothes for days. I don’t have a safe place to keep my belongings, and today I checked out of the hotel my church had kindly put me in for a couple of nights. Walking out was one of the hardest moments of my life, because it meant tonight would be my very first night on the streets. I am scared, and downtown Seattle at night is a terrifying place.

I’m embarrassed, humiliated, to ask for help this is absolutely Just a short time ago, I was making a very comfortable salary working as a senior manager for the Four Seasons. Then, in March, I was laid off due to the downturn in Luxury Travel, Seattle’s economy has been tough, and even though I’m grateful for unemployment, it barely stretches in one of the most expensive cities in the world. I am older now and I am not getting the job offers as I once did. I am being passed over for younger employees that can work the 14 hour days with no days off for weeks on end.

Determined not to give up, I enrolled in barber school since I couldn’t find stable work in my old field. Barbers here make a killing and I would be own boss. I even gave up my dream car and have been using that money to pay tuition each month. I do have a new job lined up—but it doesn’t start for another three weeks. I’ve already exhausted my savings, and I’ve learned the hard way how quickly anyone can fall into homelessness, it was literally over night. I am still in shock.

I’m asking for help with the most basic need: a safe and stable place to live for me and my dog until I can get back on my feet. Every single dollar will go toward securing housing and essentials so I can keep attending school, start my new job, and rebuild my life.

This is, without question, the hardest and most humbling moment of my life. It’s not easy to ask for help, but I’ve run out of options. If you can give—even a little—it would mean the world to me. And if you can’t donate, simply sharing this page with others would be an incredible act of kindness.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for caring.

—Justin