Hi, I’m Alex, and I’m a 28-year-old originally from Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. I made the move to California about 2.5 years ago, first landing in Inglewood and then settling in Long Beach for the last year. I’ve never been in a situation like this before, but after a really tough breakup and losing my job, I’m now on the streets in northeast Long Beach. It’s a rough, high-crime area, and I have absolutely no money, no car, and honestly, no idea where to turn for help.

My Story

About two months ago, I got laid off from my job – it wasn't my fault, just one of those things. I managed to get unemployment for the first month, but then it got cut off. Now I’m stuck in this appeal process that could drag on for up to six months. Because I couldn't pay my share of the rent, my ex, who I was unfortunately relying on, kicked me out after she covered one month on her own. To make things even worse, she had given me her old BMW 328i. I’d already paid $6,600 towards it, with only one $400 payment left before it would have been officially mine. But she took it back, so now I don’t even have a car to sleep in.

Since being out here, I’ve been robbed five times. I’ve lost about half of my stuff, including my phone and my antidepressant medication, Effexor (venlafaxine). If you know anything about Effexor, you know that stopping it suddenly causes brutal and debilitating withdrawals, and I’m going through that right now. I haven’t had any water in over two days or anything to eat in three days. I’m just completely drained, physically and emotionally, and I feel like I can’t keep going. I feel myself slipping away.

This is Urgent

I’ve hit my breaking point. I’m more than just broken; I’m losing hope. And I’ll be honest, thoughts of suicide have started to creep into my mind. I’ve never felt this lost in my entire life. I don’t have any family or friends out here I can call, and I don’t know this area well enough to even know where to look for help. This GoFundMe is pretty much my last shot, and I’m desperately asking for a lifeline.

What I Need the Funds For

I’m hoping to raise $1,200 to help me get back on my feet. Here’s how I’d use it:

* $500: For a month's rent in a safer area so I can get out of northeast Long Beach.

* $200: For food and water. I desperately need to eat and get hydrated.

* $100: For essentials like toiletries and some basic clothes, since so much of mine was stolen.

* $200: To get a refill of my Effexor prescription to help manage my mental health and these awful withdrawals.

* $200: For a cheap, used phone so I can stay connected, search for jobs, and touch base.

My Plan

I’m actively looking for work and have actually had a few promising leads, but being in this situation has obviously thrown a wrench in everything. I’m a hard worker, and I know this is just a temporary setback. Once I can get a little stable, I’ll definitely keep everyone updated on my progress and show you how your support has made a difference.

A Little About Me

I’ve always tried to be independent and never liked asking for help. But right now, I’m at my absolute lowest, and I just can’t do this on my own. I love sketching and hiking – those are things that used to bring me a lot of peace – but I can’t even think about stuff like that right now. I just want to get through this.

How You Can Help

Please, I’m truly begging you – any help would mean the world to me. Even just $5 will make a difference. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this!

- Alex