Content note: This story includes mention of a suicide attempt and mental health recovery.

In January 2026, I experienced a medical crisis that changed everything. I was hospitalized and spent time in a psych ward, and since then, I've been working hard to recover. I am on the journey of sobriety. To ensure my safety and mental health, I moved to Bybee Lakes Shelter, where I've been learning new tools and receiving support through my Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). This program is vital for my recovery, but transportation is difficult, and my savings have run out. I am unable to pay my bills, afford essentials, or care for my cat, who is currently staying with friends.

My rent is paid for this month, but I can't cover utilities, food, or other urgent expenses. I use Ride to Care in Oregon to get to my IOP, but sometimes it doesn't work, and I can't afford an Uber to guarantee I get there on time. I also need to start classes for dyslexia, autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities, but I have no funds left. My phone bill, credit card bills, loan payments, pet insurance, and everyday essentials are piling up, and I can't apply for unemployment because I've exhausted my funds. I'm scared that no jobs will take me, and even if I find work, it may not start soon or pay enough to cover my needs.

I also live with disabilities like ADHD, dyslexia, autism, and learning challenges. These have caused me to lose jobs and relationships, and it's been hard to understand and advocate for myself. Sharing this is vulnerable and scary, but I know being honest may help me get the support I need.

I would greatly appreciate this life-saving support. It means the ability to keep pushing through. I'm not in a good place as far as mental health. This would support me in continuing the mental health work I'm doing in my IOP and ensure I have shelter, food, safety, my cat's well being, and bills paid. The stress would relieve and I'd have time to focus on healing while looking for a job not from heightened crisis, but from a sense of safety. I literally can't do it alone. I am a giver and that's what broke me in the end and led me to attempt to end my life. This support would give me hope that I can create a new and different life that focuses on giving to myself. I need as much help as I can get. Creating a radically new life takes time, and my mental health is not able to handle all that alone. I need a lot of support, not just this month but for a few months and help in other ways now and moving forward. It means my life—having it, making it work for me so it's worth living.