A Helping Hand While I Work Toward Stability

Hello friends, family, and compassionate strangers —

I never thought I’d find the courage to write one of these, but here I am. After a lot of hesitation, tears, and a deep breath, I’m asking for help.

I moved back to California January 25th to pursue greater stability and begin a fresh chapter in life. I have been fortunate enough to receive temporary housing support from my aunt and uncle. Two weeks after moving here, I secured two part-time jobs. I’ve been working steadily since — doing my best to stay afloat and save up to afford my own space.

Unfortunately, the cost of living here, combined with inconsistent hours and long commutes, have made it nearly impossible to get ahead. Both of my jobs require a 2.5 to 3-hour round trip on public transportation, only to work shifts that last 3.5 to 5 hours. Despite this exhaustion, I refuse to fall grouch the cracks because I believe in the dignity of effort and the power of resilience.

What I haven’t been able to keep showing up for, though, are two things that matter deeply to my mental and physical well-being:

1. My yoga practice, which helps me manage stress and reconnect with my body.

2. My therapy and psychiatric care, which had been essential to my healing and stability.

Placing a pause on those supports has been incredibly difficult — but when you’re attempting to stretch every dollar for food, transportation, and the dream of safe housing, self-care begins to feel like a luxury.

Soon I will be couch-surfing while I continue to work and save. I’ve delayed asking for help out of embarrassment, pride and because I know I’m not the only one struggling. It breaks my heart how hard life has become for so many of us.

That said, I’m reaching out because I could use a small helping hand — whether it’s financial support, a temporary place to crash for a few months, or even just sharing this page. Every act of kindness makes a difference.

Looking Forward

My longer-term goal is to return to school and pursue a Bachelor of Science in Law/Pre-Law with a minor in Philosophy. I want to use my education to pursue law school and explore social-service centered careers. Thanks to California’s free tuition program for residents, I plan to enroll in community college courses once I have stable housing and regular work hours. I’ve already identified a local college and explored potential universities to transfer to. I’m taking things one day at a time, but education is absolutely part of my future.

Your support would help me afford a safe and stable place to live, cover essential expenses, and eventually give me the foundation I need to return to school and build the life I’ve been working toward.

If you’ve made it this far, thank you greatly for reading. If you’re not in a position to give, that’s okay too. I appreciate you holding space for me in this vulnerable moment.

With love, humility, and hope

Cam