The Start of a New Life: Alec Cope

As I write this, I am sitting in a mall food-court, waiting for the next bus, that will ship me to the Salvation Army; where I have a temporary spot in the shelter.

Yes, I am very grateful I will not have to grit  my teeth in the Winter cold, tonight.

But I sincerely need your help, please: read what I have to convey and offer.

My name is Alec Aaron Cope.

I am a journalist, a stand-up comedian in training, an older brother, a son and a 19 year old human being who seeks his freedom.

I already feel slightly narcissistic, with the focal point of this campaign being me. But allow me quickly detail what has lead me to this point, to show you the appropriate background.

Let me also thank-you, for taking the time to read this, even if you don't donate. That is alright.

Also, pardon my sharpness, but you cannot eat sympathy, so please refrain from sending me that.

My entire life, all I've known is a constant turmoil.

Growing up, I was taken from my parents by the State of Michigan, at the age of 4. In Foster Care, I was subjected to horrendous abuse there. The violence was sexual, mental and physical, there were days I didn't know if me and my siblings would make it out...

Our court case would go on to define the State of Michigan's power to take children, and gave more power to the families and lawyers involved. It was historical, and I am honored to have been a part in that process.

I survived, and am now surpassing.

To be honest, I don't think anyone will donate to my cause. So if you've read this far, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

When I gained my freedom some years later, the turmoil would continue.

A perpetual cycle, of constant homelessness, poverty and violence is all I've known. I can write a book about the things I've seen and felt, and indeed this experience of being homeless again has fueled me to do just that.

My last residence was fine, until over 10 people were living within a 3 bedroom home. The intentions were good, but as the saying goes - the road to Hell is sometimes paved with good intentions...

This happened to be the case.

Domestic violence, poverty and stress were the staples in the home for months. Me and my 4 siblings were ejected, forced into the cold.

I promptly contacted social services. The children have since been removed, and will find a safe, stable home shortly.

I didn't care that I would be basically f*cked. My only concern was, and is to end this cycle. It's all we've known.

Now, I'm on my own - this is where you come in.

What Will I Do With These Funds?

I plan to allocate $1,500 for housing, which will 'buy' me enough time to find a consistent line of work. Having worked fast-food, a car factory and a small-engine garage - I am a hard worker.

As I'm currently living in the Upper Penninsula of Michigan, I have found it to be a region that isn't conducive with what I want to do with my life.

St. Joseph, is located in the Lower Penninsula of Michigan, and that will be my new home. It will allow me to have support from an amazing group of people, who have helped me through so much already.

The area will also allow me to excell with my writing endeavors. I have already established some powerful and brilliant connections - I am already there.

With the remaining $1,500, I will do my best to utilize to purchase a vehicle and a license. As much as it embarrases me to admit, I've never had consistent assistence with getting a license. I'm now ready.

To Summarize

I know that there are beautiful, amazing people out there who can assist me in garnering the energy and funds to finally be free. To finally, start fresh, and walkaway from my past.

Even if you can gift me $1 that would be enough, to let me know someone out there, cares about a complete stranger. That would be enough for me to continue soldiering on.

I will also create a video series on my Youtube Channel , detailing my journey, and what I have purchased with your graciously gifted funds as evidence.

For those who donate, thank you thank you THANK YOU.

Words will never be able to substantiate the appreciation I feel, for anything that can be done.

$3,000 = The Ticket to A New Chapter.

Thank-you for reading.