Hello everyone,

My name is Louis Mejia, and I'm reaching out to you for support as I embark on a crucial journey towards healing and stability. I'm 32 years old, and I served as a combat engineer in the U.S. Army. During my service, I sustained a traumatic brain injury that eventually led to my honorable discharge.

For years, I managed to keep my mind occupied by working and making music—my primary coping tool. However, I currently find myself at a critical juncture in my life. I live at the Orenda Veterans Project, a non-profit for veterans experiencing homelessness in Apple Valley, California. Recently, I lost access to my music when my computer broke down, leaving me alone with my thoughts. As a result, my mental health has severely deteriorated, and I've been flagged as high-risk for self-harm by Veterans Affairs.

In an effort to regain control of my life, I’ve been accepted into the Veterans Transition Center (VTC) in Marina, California. This program offers specialized care for my traumatic brain injury, along with vocational rehabilitation, job training, case management, and the promise of permanent housing. It's an incredible opportunity that could truly help me rebuild my life.

However, I’m facing significant financial barriers that are preventing me from making the move to VTC. Due to financial difficulties, I owe $500 in back rent to Orenda Veterans Project and have an expired vehicle registration, which costs $295. I’ve reached out to several non-profits for emergency funding but have not been able to secure the assistance I need.

The funds I’m asking for will go directly towards paying my back rent, renewing my vehicle registration, and covering the cost of gas so I can travel to the VTC in Marina. This move is critical to my recovery, and I am asking for your help to make it happen.

Any additional funds will be used to purchase a new computer, which will allow me to make music again—an essential coping skill for managing my anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

I deeply appreciate any support you can offer, whether it's through donations or by sharing my story. Your generosity could make all the difference in helping a veteran in need get back on his feet.

Thank you for your time, compassion, and support.