My name is James. I’m 34, currently homeless, and living out of my car. My vehicle is not just transportation — it’s my last safe place, and the only thing keeping me from sleeping on the street. I’m asking for help to keep it running and to create a small financial cushion so I can get back on my feet.

I’ve been doing everything I can to stay working, but a recent back injury caused me to lose my job in landscaping. Before that, I’ve struggled to keep steady employment due to lifelong trauma, autism, and bipolar disorder. I’ve been working hard to heal and cope, but without stable housing, it’s incredibly difficult to stay employed and rebuild.

Right now, my car urgently needs repairs to remain roadworthy, and I’m at risk of losing it entirely due to loan payments and the cost of basic survival. Losing this car means losing the one thing standing between me and sleeping outside.

What the $10,000 will go toward

Car repairs and maintenance: $4,000

Car loan payments to prevent repossession: $2,000

Food, gas, and basics while I search for stable work: $3,000

Emergency buffer for unexpected expenses: $1,000

This support would give me enough breathing room to:

Apply to better jobs instead of day-to-day survival work

Save for a room and move out of my car

Continue trauma recovery and stabilize my mental health

Finally start building a stable life instead of just surviving

If you’ve ever been in a place where everything felt like it was slipping away, you know how much even a small bit of support can change the entire picture.

Even $5 genuinely helps.

Sharing this helps just as much.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Your kindness could be the thing that gives me a real chance to start again.