On October 1st, my life changed in an instant. I was looking for my fiancée when a man I'd never met before opened fire on me. Three shots. One grazed my forearm. I thought I was going to die.

Then, as I was trying to process what was happening, I was hit over the head by a second attacker. I don't even know who he was. All I know is that I needed staples to close the wound, and now I'm dealing with the physical and financial aftermath of being victimized by violent strangers.

I'm reaching out because I'm in a desperate situation. I have people depending on me, and I can't let them down. My fiancée counts on me. My disabled brother counts on me. We have three dogs that need care. I'm the one holding this family together, and right now, everything is falling apart.

Before this happened, I was on track. I would have had enough money from this pay period to cover our rent and deposit. But medical bills and lost time have wiped me out. I'm completely broke, and we're facing homelessness if I can't find help.

I get my staples out in just 3 or 4 days, and then I can start trying to rebuild. But I need help right now to keep a roof over our heads. I'm asking for $7,000 to cover rent, deposit, and the immediate expenses my family needs to survive this crisis.

I never thought I'd be in this position. I never thought I'd have to ask for help. But I'm asking now because my family is counting on me, and I won't give up on them. If you can help us, please do. We need you.