You did not say what "rural" part of TN. Also that is a long list of needs. We think/know the Salvation Army has many rural centers in the state, so maybe try them - here is a list of Salvation Army programs in TN.
Bellicheck wrote: ↑Sun Jan 04, 2026 4:26 pm Hello, I live in rural TN and within days, I could lose my car and my apartment, leaving me and my cat with nowhere to go. My name is Anthony, and I'm reaching out because I desperately need help. I'm facing a severe financial crisis, and I'm at a point where I need to be vulnerable and ask for support from my community, friends, and anyone who might be able to lend a hand.
Over the past several months, the rising cost of living has hit me incredibly hard. No matter how hard I work, my paycheck no longer stretches far enough. Prices have soared, and I’m constantly forced to choose between rent, food, and keeping my car—my lifeline to my job. I work full-time in retail, but in today's economy, it's simply not enough to cover all my expenses. I essentially live in what should be a two-income household, making it almost impossible to make ends meet on a single retail salary.
I'm actively looking for higher-paying work, but the job market in my area is either competitive, mostly low-wage service jobs, or require specialized skills. In the meantime, my retail job is the only thing keeping me afloat. I did have a small emergency fund, but it was completely wiped out by an unexpected car repair expense a few months ago and I haven't been able to rebuild it since. And now with the cost of living so high, every penny I earn goes directly to basic necessities. There's simply nothing left at the end of the month to save.
This hardship has led to a cascade of difficult situations. I've fallen behind on my car payments, and I've received notice that my car is now slated for repossession. Losing my car would be devastating, as it's my only means of transport to get to work. Without it, I'd lose my job, making my situation even worse. My account is currently in default and until payment is received, my account will remain in repossession status and could be picked up at any moment.
Beyond the car, I'm also facing the threat of eviction from my apartment due to late rent payments. The stress of potentially losing my home and my transportation is overwhelming. I'm struggling to keep my head above water with all my regular bills, including medical bills, student loans, car and renters’ insurance, utilities, and the basic necessities of life.
I've always prided myself on being independent and self-sufficient. I work hard and have always tried to handle challenges on my own. The truth is, I'm facing this crisis largely alone. I'm single, and I don't have a large network of close friends to lean on. Even more difficult, I don't have any family support. I was disowned and rejected by my family years ago, which means I truly have no one in my personal life to turn to for help during this incredibly challenging time. This is why I'm reaching out to this community, hoping for the kindness of strangers. I'm not looking for a handout; I'm looking for a helping hand to get through a situation I simply can't navigate alone.
This situation is even more painful because I'm not just fighting for myself. I'm also fighting for my five-year-old cat, Sirius. He's been my constant companion and a source of comfort through difficult times. He depends on me completely. If I lose my apartment, he loses his home too. Because I have no family or friends who can care for him, I'd be forced to surrender him to a shelter. The reality is that older cats are less likely to be adopted, and the thought of him facing euthanasia because of my circumstances is unbearable. It breaks my heart to even consider that possibility.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness, generosity, and support. I'm hopeful that with your help, I can overcome this hardship and rebuild a more stable future.