Hi everyone, my name is Wes, and asking for help like this is something I never thought I’d have to do. But right now, I’m struggling, and I’m trying to take real steps to get back on my feet.

Two years ago, I took a big risk and moved out to California to try to build a better life. I moved in with my dad—someone I believed I could trust. He told me I could stay with him rent-free to get settled, but as soon as I arrived, he started charging me rent.

He also got me into the labor union IATSE. The work and pay were good, but every dollar I earned went toward rent and basic survival. I turned to credit cards just to fill the gaps. I kept up at first, but things spiraled when my dad chose his toxic roommate over the safety of me and a friend who had moved with me. We suddenly had to leave for our own well-being.

I had to quit my job and drive all the way back to Cleveland from San Francisco with no support. My dad didn’t help financially, and by then all my work money was gone. Coming home meant relying on credit cards again just to get by. The debt followed me back, and making only minimum payments made it grow even more.

Recently, I thought my dad was finally going to step up and help me fix some of this. I wanted to believe he was taking accountability. Instead, he ghosted me. While waiting on him, I missed a payment, and my minimum payment increased. That was when I realized I can’t depend on him—not for financial help, and not emotionally.

I’m now working a second job, I’ve tried for loans, and I’m doing everything I can to handle this on my own—but this debt is crushing me. I’m exhausted. I’m doing my best to rebuild, stay responsible, and move forward, but I need help to break out of this hole.

I hate asking for help. Truly. But anything helps—whether it’s donating or sharing this with others. I’m trying to rebuild my life the right way, and every bit of support means more than I can express.

Thank you so much for reading and for helping in any way you can.