Help Ben Rebuild After Devastating Losses: Floods and Fire

Help Ben Rebuild After Flood, Fire and Theft - $5, $10 or $25 is suggested

Hi everyone, my name is Ben Martin, and I never imagined I'd be in a place where I'd need to ask for help. To be honest, this is incredibly humiliating and difficult for me to write. I’ve always tried to handle things on my own, to push through no matter what life threw at me—but after this past year, I just don’t have anything left.

In the past year and half, my life has been turned upside down. My life partner left me, and in the process, she took Buddy—my service animal, my best friend, and my whole world. Losing him was devastating, as he was not just a pet but a vital part of my well-being and daily support. On top of that, I lost the home I’d built for six years, and with everything else crumbling around me, I simply couldn’t afford to fight for either of them.

As if that wasn’t enough, my home suffered two devastating floods because of a worthless landlord who refused to take responsibility, ruining all my furniture, shoes, and expensive hair and wig collection—things I had worked hard to build over the years.

Just when I thought things couldn’t get worse, someone broke into my home and stole most of my hairstyling tools, products, and shears, making it almost impossible for me to continue my work. And a few months ago, a storage unit fire destroyed most of the rest of my belongings, leaving me with little more than the clothes on my back and my plants. Now I find myself in-between homes for 4 months now with no end in site.

In total, I have suffered over $20,000 worth of loss and damage, and I have exhausted all my savings and cashed in my investments, trying to stay afloat. I have tried so hard to pick myself up, to rebuild on my own. I’ve stretched every resource, every favor, every bit of energy I had left, but I’m at a point where I just can’t do this alone anymore.

I am asking for $7000 to help me replace essential belongings, get back on my feet, and start fresh. These funds will go toward:

Basic furniture and necessities

Replacing stolen hairstyling tools so I can work again

Clothes, shoes, and personal care items

Finding a place to live as I have nowhere currently to stay

I know times are tough for everyone, and asking for help isn’t easy for me. Again whether its $5, $10 or $20 ANYTHING would help. If you can’t donate, sharing this campaign would be just as helpful.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for reading, for caring, and for any support you can give. I am hopeful that, with a little help, I can finally begin to rebuild and move forward.

With gratitude,

Ben Martin