HomlessAndHurtingNeedAHandNotABoot

It's taking a lot of humilty and swallowing whatever pride we have left to open up and tell our story, hoping that someone out there, friends, family, or just a kind soul would give us a hand and try to help us get through what has been the worst ordeal of our lives.  Back in July we were living in Florida, renting from a landlord that we've known for a very long time.  As part of our rent agreement, I ripped, removed, and installed a brand new roof on their house. 3600 sq ft, which is roughly a $12,000.00 job, according to the lowest estimates.  I did this practically by myself, in 5 days.  I was paid 1000.00 for my work, which wasn't much considering I had to quit the job I had to ensure the roof got done in time for them to move in.  So as part of the rent agreement, I would do the roof myself saving them about 11,000.00 and we would pay 500$ a month, not including utilities, to rent the master bedroom and "florida" room.  Things started deteriorating between all of us.  Little things at first like leaving a light on, leaving junk food out where the kids can get to it, etc.   Then it became more invasive, like what we were doing in our free time or how we chose to spend our money or who we spent time with.  Eventually it came to a point where they decided they no longer wanted us living there.  Unfortunately for us, we never created or signed a lease agreement.  We trusted and were confident in the fact something like this wouldn't happen, since we've known each other all of our lives.  Not so.  We were told to pack our stuff one day, and we had to leave that same day.  No notice or time to find something else.  We were even paid up on rent for the next 3 weeks.  We got the boot and a ride to the bus station.  We stayed with a friend in fort pierce Florida for about a week.  It was a terrible living situation, drinking and drugs and since it was essentially  a motel room, the property manager said that we had to leave.  We literally had no place to go.  We decided maybe we should try to make it to San Diego, since I did have some family out here and the weather was nice enough that we could sleep outdoors if need be.  We made it to California and were able to stay with a friend for a week, until he had to travel for a family emergency.  After that, completely distraught with nowhere to go, we got a tent and some camping gear and came to terms with being truly homeless.  We were in a sort of tent city under the bridge in downtown  San Diego.  It has been a nightmare.  Mostly because of the fact that my poor wife, my lady, who has given up so much just to be here with me, has to endure such an existence.  The streets are no place for any person at all, but especially for a woman.  Before you think "why don't they get jobs?"  Well, we have to constantly stay with our stuff.  Whatever isn't nailed down or under us while we sleep gets stolen.  There is no laundry or showers, so I would show up to the one job I DID have, with dirty clothes and grime under my nails.  And finally and most importantly, I absolutely could not leave her alone at night while I worked security at a bar till 3 or 4 a.m.   it's violent and hostile out here, and most certainly not the place you would feel safe as a woman.  Even for myself, who is no stranger to violence or rough neighborhoods, it gets dangerous.  The cheapest SRO 's are $850 a month plus deposit.  We would get a place in Tijuana which is considerably cheaper, but don't have passports.  We're hoping to raise enough money to cover the 1st months rent and deposit.  That will give us the time we need to get jobs and be able to keep up appearances, shower and do laundry.  We really just need a few weeks, and anything at all to help us get into a warm bed with a roof over our heads would make all the difference.  I have always tried to help someone in need when I had the means.  It's amazing what we take for granted, and I've been guilty of it many times.  It's taking a lot to open up and essentially beg for help, but I feel like we are out of options.  This is my last plea and I pray some of you might understand our plight or find it in your heart to try and help.  Anything is everything right now, and God knows we need it.  I'm sorry for the embarrassment this may cause some people.  Please keep hurtful and disrespectful comments to yourselves and try to keep in mind what it is to truly struggle.  No person, friend or foe should ever have to endure this.  Please help in any way you can.  Also, if you want to get in touch email [email redacted] and well reply with phone number or mailing address.  Thank You and God Bless

Helping one person may not change the whole world, but it may change the whole world for one person.