Hello, friends. After a year of chronic underemployment and getting laid off twice in two years, I'm resorting to this thing I've been avoiding. I’m raising funds for myself after totaling my car. I was already in a financial crisis, and losing my car has made an already difficult situation even harder.

Right now, not having a car is affecting the most basic parts of my daily life. It's difficult to impossible to get anywhere in rural Tennessee without a car, and I certainly can’t get more work. What was already unstable now feels even more urgent because transportation is standing in the way of both my immediate needs and my ability to move forward.

The funds from this fundraiser will go toward replacing my car. I need help within a month because I also need to travel to Connecticut for a doctor’s appointment. Having a reliable car would make it possible for me to meet basic needs, pursue work, and make this important trip for my care.

For a while, I've been keeping the level of my struggle to myself. Many jobs in my field are being taken by AI, and competition for what remains brings thousands of applicants. I've been applying to anything I can, every week, for months. Generally, I'm deeply uncomfortable with asking for help. However, being without a vehicle at this point is back-breaking.

I know everyone is struggling right now, and I appreciate whatever can be done. If you’re able to help, any donation or share would mean a lot to me. Your support would help me get back on my feet and regain some stability during a really hard time.