Hi everyone,

I'm writing on behalf of my boyfriend, Topher. Topher is the kind of person who would never ask for help for himself. But right now, he really needs it.

Earlier this year, Topher's position at Camp Hendon was unexpectedly eliminated due to lack of funding. Since Camp Hendon is a small nonprofit (501c3) with fewer than four employees, it wasn't eligible to participate in the unemployment program; meaning Topher couldn't collect unemployment benefits while searching for a new job. Which, we all know, takes time. Time someone with bills doesn't have.

Since then, he's done everything possible to stay afloat. He has been doing deliveries with DoorDash, working Boo at the Zoo (which ends Nov 1st), and stretching a small severance to cover rent, bills, and everyday expenses.

He recently started a new job after a long period of searching, but his first paycheck doesn't arrive for another two weeks. He's been working himself to exhaustion trying to make ends meet. I've been helping with groceries when I can, but as a library specialist at an elementary school, I can only do so much.

Now, to make matters worse, his Jeep has broken down. Without it, he can't do DoorDash or get to work reliably. He needs his Jeep fixed to earn money but needs money to fix his Jeep. Right now, he is in between a rock and a hard place.

With rent, his car payment, insurance, and utilities all coming due at once, it has depleted his funds and maxed out his credit card. At this point, he's simply out of options.

Topher is an extremely hard worker, but sometimes hard work doesn't make ends meet. He's been quietly doing everything he can to push through a really tough season, and doing so without asking for help, but right now, he could truly use a helping hand.

If you're able to, please consider donating, sharing this, or even sending words of encouragement, it would mean the world to both of us. Every bit of kindness helps him get one step closer to getting back up on his feet.

Thank you so much for reading his story and for any support you can give.

Erin