In a few days I will turn 65, and this is the first time in my life I’ve ever had to ask for help like this.

I’ve worked my entire life as a building and remodeling contractor, mostly self-employed. Recently two jobs cancelled back-to-back — something that has never happened to me before — and it set off a financial chain reaction I’ve been struggling to recover from.

Work has been very sparse since then, and the reality is there aren’t many companies hiring 65-year-old carpenters.

Right now I’m facing several urgent problems at once:

• My mortgage forbearance ends in about 15 days
• I owe back taxes to both the IRS and Massachusetts
• I’ve run out of heating oil and wood pellets
• My electric and water bills are overdue
• I’m nearly out of food
• My truck payment is behind, and losing it would make it impossible for me to work

I reached out to the state for assistance today — and writing this fundraiser is one of the hardest pride-swallowing things I’ve ever done.

I’ve always tried to handle things on my own, but right now I’m in a place where I simply need help to stabilize and get back on my feet.

Any contribution, no matter the size, would go directly toward keeping the lights on, getting heat and food, and helping me stay afloat while I find steady work again.

Needing help doesn’t make someone a bad person — just someone going through a hard moment.

If you are able to help, I would be deeply grateful.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.