With a heavy heart, I’m reaching out for help. My name is Kevin, and I’m a grandfather who has always tried to be strong for my family. Right now, though, I feel overwhelmed and ashamed to ask, but I have nowhere else to turn.

After losing my job, my only income is my small retirement check. I don’t qualify for unemployment, and my savings are gone. In the coming weeks, I will lose my home. The fear of becoming homeless weighs on me every day. To keep a safe roof over my head and stay off the streets, I need to move one-way to Texas, where my daughter and my only grandchild live.

My daughter and grandchild mean everything to me. Being close to them again — to hug my grandchild, watch them grow, and simply be part of their everyday lives — is the one thing that would bring me hope and peace right now. They are my reason to keep going. My loyal dog, who has stayed by my side through all of this, will make the journey with me. We’ll travel as simply as possible, pulling a small U-Haul trailer behind my 2007 Toyota Highlander.

The money I’m asking for will cover only what is necessary to make this move safely:

• Installing a trailer hitch on my Highlander

• Renting a small U-Haul trailer for the one-way trip

• Gas and food during the long drive

I’m not looking for comfort or extras — just enough support to get us there without ending up stranded or homeless. Every dollar will go directly toward getting me closer to the family I love so dearly.

I’ve worked hard my whole life and never imagined I’d be in this position. The shame I feel sharing this is real, but my love for my daughter and grandchild is so much greater. If you can find it in your heart to help, even a little, you will be giving me more than money — you’ll be giving me the chance to be the grandfather I long to be, and the dignity of staying safe and close to my family.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Your kindness, prayers, or shares mean the world to me and my dog as we prepare for this journey home to our family.

With deep gratitude and hope,

Kevin and Zoey