Urgent! Help me get off the streets and continue my education.
Hello, my name is Joshua and I am homeless in Central Park in NYC. I have been struggling with many issues including being physically/emotionally disabled and homeless for over a decade.
On April 19, 2003 I fell while rock climbing in Moab, Utah. I shattered vertebrae in my lower back and fractured my left ankle and leg in the fall. After laying there for 15 hours, unable to move, I was rescued and airlifted to Grand Junction, Colorado where I underwent spinal fusion surgery. Later the same day I had a second surgery to put screws and metal plates in my left leg. I spent 6 weeks in the hospital and was discharged, homeless, onto the streets in a wheelchair. Talk about a crash course in human nature. That is a story that could fill a book.
After three weeks living on the streets of Grand Junction, Catholic Charities bought me a bus ticket to Salt Lake City. That was the beginning of a very long and painful process. I had to teach myself to walk again from a wheel chair while urban camping in the Sugar House neighborhood of Salt Lake City. 2003 was a very difficult year but I survived.
The first five years after my accident were very physically painful but it did get better. My pain level is still high due to nerve damage but I have kicked bad habits and learned pain management. After bouncing around from place to place and shelter to shelter I found myself in New York City. Tired of running from my problems I have decided to stay put. I have a few friends across the river in New Jersey and they have helped me as much as they are able. It is time to get off the streets and into a safe place. 11 years after my accident I am still homeless and struggling. I realize that I have significant responsibility for my situation and nonetheless I could use a hand up to live a normal life again.
I will link the story of my accident and rescue in the comments section. Right now I am in dire need of help getting off the streets. In the newspaper classifieds I see rooms in New Jersey going for $200 a week. Most of them are asking for a few weeks up front plus security deposit. Right now I am seeking help with 2 to 3 months rent until mid-Spring and warmer weather. In the mean time I will take advantage of that limited stability to complete my application for disability and find a permanent way off the streets. This cold weather is holding me down and I could use a leg up. Anything you can donate will help. Thank you in advance. If you need any clarification let me know. My family is unable to help in any significant way. I am 39 years old and on my own.
I want to go back to school to learn a trade I can work with my disability and eventually support myself. All of my energy and focus is wasted on surviving these cold streets when I could be working on quality of life and bettering myself. I think one day soon I could be helping others in my same situation. Can you please help me help myself and others? I will pay it forward when I am able.
Love and light,
Joshua
https://www.youcaring.com/help-a-neighbor/shelter-from-the-storm-/146311
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