My name is Aims. I'm reaching out because I genuinely have no other options right now, and I'm hoping someone out there can help.

My partner and I, along with our two cats, have been in a slow financial freefall since this time last year, and right now we've hit the bottom of it despite all our efforts to stay afloat.

This time last year, my car broke down on the highway on the way to work. Between the emergency tow and diagnostics, I was out $600 before learning the repairs would cost more than the car was worth. I had to junk it. That one event started a chain reaction: rent fell short, late fees piled on, and I had to make payment arrangements with my landlord just to stay housed. All the while, our eldest cat has been fighting a recurring URI that keeps coming back and requiring ongoing care.

My employer agreed to let me work from home temporarily while I saved for a replacement car. Then, a month later, all six of us on my team were laid off unexpectedly as government contracts were canceled and our jobs disappeared overnight, despite strong performance across the board.

That's where things have stayed. I've been job hunting steadily, but the market is rough. My partner is unable to work due to her ongoing health issues and is currently fighting for disability. I was our only income. Our monthly rent is $1,220 and other monthly expenses run around $200, not including groceries.

Here's where we are right now:

I don't ask for help easily. If you can spare anything at all, it makes a real difference. If you can't, a share means just as much.

Thank you for reading, and for any kindness you can offer.

~ Aims