Rob's fight: Help me avoid homelessness and rebuild my life.

I am genuinely ashamed to post this, but I need your help to (for now) avoid being homeless and to rebuild my life. A few weeks ago, I had to live the place I was living at and my options fell through.

I thought I was going to go with my dad and stepmom in another state, but did not hear from them despite repeated attempts to contact by phone and email. I eventually found out they had no interest in having me, nor did they reach out to me. They are, to be honest, the main authors of my pain and the circumstances I find myself in now.

In 2022, I graduated with a doctoral degree in Public Policy and Political Economy. However, it took me far longer to finish than it should have; I was kicked out of the house by my stepmom for going for the degree and that affected me. Previously, I was screamed at to the point of nervous breakdown by her when I went to get a Master's. To my detriment, I always wanted my family to be proud of me, and what happened gaslit me into thinking I was a failure for going for my PhD. It also led to me ending up in counseling for years. During this time, I was diagnosed with anxiety in addition to the mild Asperger's I knew I had. I finished despite the difficult circumstances.

The past just over two years of my life since graduating have been the worst for me. A huge part of it was due to my situation when I graduated. I have been working a gig job that has barely paid me enough to cover the bills and I have had to use credit cards much more than I should. I struggled with depression. I talked to a debt consolidation person who told me that 80-90 percent of my income was going to pay credit cards and private student loans. I also became far too withdrawn after Covid and limited myself to talking regularly to a very few close people, instead of reaching out to more friends. I realize now what a stupid mistake that was.

My mother--my biggest supporter--helped me out and gave me a place to stay. However, she had to leave where she was and due to landlord issues was not able to keep me.

Right now, I am currently in a hotel in Lowell and have been since Sunday, but the rate here is $125 per night. My mom and others have been helping me pay the costs but this isn't a long-term solution and I'm extremely concerned about money. An aunt is working to help me out in terms of finding a place to stay, but it is not guaranteed. But I know the hotel can't be a permanent solution.

As a result of what my father and stepmom have done to me, I have ended my relationship with them--effective just recently. While this is something I did not want, it represents a major step towards reclaiming my mental well-being.

I think right now, I need multiple things. Some of these can be covered by the gofundme while others may not:

1.) My immediate need is money to stay where I am at now so I don't end up in a shelter. Immediate bills are also a concern here; I'll have a hefty credit card bill due soon and will probably contact the company to figure out what to do.

2.)The next are:

a.) A more long-term place to stay while I rebuild my life.

b.) A better job than what I have now. My strengths are in writing, editing, and research, with my main interests in higher education, nonprofits, and human rights. Previously, I worked as a blogger for a nonprofit engaged in international development. However, right now I'll take anything. My only limitation is that I can't do anything too physical due to health issues (stomach hernia) I'll need to eventually get surgery for, but I'd be ideal for a low-physical stress role.

3.) Going back to money, recouping costs to pay for the room I'm at so far, this has included credit card costs.

Due to all of these things, I expect the goal of this fundraiser will be fluid, and I will be transparent regarding any updates.

Thank you for any help you can give me in repairing my life. I think finally shedding myself of toxic family relationships that led to me struggling for years is a positive first step, and I need 2025 to be the year I finally get back into the world and achieve a life worth being proud of.

But I need immediate emergency help right now. Please, please help me as soon as possible if you are able. I thank you for your consideration.

Thank you so much for any and all assistance you can give me. Thank you.

-Rob