My name is Frank Pena, and I’ve spent my life working as an independent plumber here in Los Angeles. At 42, I’ve always been proud to work 60-hour weeks to provide for my family on Ocello Street. But three weeks ago, a catastrophic equipment failure on a commercial job site caused me to fall backward, resulting in two herniated discs and severe nerve compression in my lower back.

The doctors have put me on strict bed rest and forbidden me from lifting anything heavier than a gallon of milk for the next four months. As an independent contractor, missing work means my income plummeted to zero overnight. Rent and utilities in LA don't care if you're injured, and we are already facing a three-day notice to pay or quit. I need $9,500 as a survival bridge to pay our back rent and cover physical therapy costs so I can learn to walk without pain and get back to work. Please consider helping a hardworking father keep a roof over his kids' heads.