After nearly a decade of military service, I never imagined I’d be facing financial ruin. A wrongful eviction, a banking disaster, and sudden loss of income have left me in an impossible situation. Right now, I don’t even have enough to cover basic needs, and I’m fighting to stay afloat until my VA benefits come through.
How Everything Fell Apart
In September 2024, after months of searching for an attorney, I lost my home due to an eviction I never even had the chance to fight properly. A clerical error set my response aside without my knowledge, and by the time I finally saw the eviction notice—just five days before the deadline—I had just been discharged from the emergency room. I had no time to prepare, no real chance to challenge the case, and was forced out with nowhere to go.
On January 17, 2025, I was separated from the Navy with a general discharge under honorable conditions. The transition was abrupt, leaving me without income and waiting on VA disability benefits that still haven’t started. I only just received my medical records on February 23, and waiting for them has delayed my claim even further.
Then, just when I thought things couldn’t get worse, Coinbase took everything I had and deleted my account, leaving me with a negative balance of -$1,650. Now, with $7,308 in debt due this month and no income yet, I don’t know how much longer I can hold on.
Why I Need Help
I’m doing everything I can to rebuild, but I can’t do it alone. Any support—whether through a donation or just sharing this campaign—would make a huge difference.
I’m hopeful that, with help, I can get back on my feet, secure stable housing, and move forward.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story.
— W. Justin Fournell-Baker