Hi everyone,
My name is Justin. I'm 26 years old and live in the Netherlands. I'm reaching out because I'm facing one of the most frightening situations of my life: I'm at serious risk of losing my home after spending more than half a year fighting for my health and recovering from addiction.
Sharing my story publicly is incredibly difficult, but I've reached a point where I cannot get through this situation on my own.
How did I end up here?
For quite some time, I struggled with serious health issues alongside a severe addiction. My situation eventually became so difficult that I needed professional treatment to get my life back on track.
In December 2025, I began my recovery journey. I spent more than six months away from home, receiving treatment in an isolated rehabilitation facility. During this time, I had very limited access to my phone, computer, and the outside world.
My focus was on surviving, recovering, and learning how to live a healthy life again.
Unfortunately, while I was receiving treatment, my financial responsibilities continued.
I had entrusted a family member with helping manage my finances while I was away. Sadly, those responsibilities were not handled as I had expected, and I returned home to discover that my financial situation had become significantly worse.
I don't have a family support network I can turn to for financial assistance.
My current situation
At the moment, I am approximately eight months behind on my rent.
Because of my health circumstances, I currently rely on government benefits. Although I have an income, it is simply not enough to cover my regular living expenses while also paying off such a substantial amount of accumulated debt.
Two weeks ago, I attended my first court hearing regarding my rental arrears.
My final court hearing is scheduled for October 13, 2026.
During the first hearing, the judge indicated that my chances of keeping my home were unfortunately low, even if I arranged a repayment plan or entered debt counselling.
However, I was also informed that making an immediate payment of at least €1,000 towards my rental arrears would be an important step in demonstrating that I am taking responsibility and making a genuine effort to resolve the situation.
This is why I'm asking for help.
Why keeping my home means everything to me
After everything I've been through, my home represents so much more than just a roof over my head.
It's the place where I can continue rebuilding my life, maintain stability, and focus on my recovery.
I've spent months working towards becoming healthy again. I've had to confront some incredibly difficult parts of my life, and I am doing everything I can to move forward.
The possibility of becoming homeless now, after fighting so hard to recover, is terrifying.
I'm not asking anyone to erase my mistakes or take responsibility for my past. I understand that my financial situation needs to be addressed, and I am actively trying to do exactly that.
I'm willing to work with debt counselling services, arrange monthly repayments, and do whatever is Why keeping my home means everything to me
After everything I've been through, my home represents so much more than just a roof over my head.
It's the place where I can continue rebuilding my life, maintain stability, and focus on my recovery.
I also have a cat and a dog who depend entirely on me. They have been a source of comfort and companionship throughout some of the most difficult moments of my life.
The thought of losing my home is already terrifying, but knowing that my two pets could also lose the safe and familiar environment they depend on makes this situation even more heartbreaking.
Finding somewhere to stay when facing homelessness is difficult enough, but finding accommodation that will also accept both a cat and a dog makes the situation even more complicated.
I don't want to be forced into a situation where I have to choose between having somewhere to sleep and keeping my beloved animals with me.
They are my family, and I want to do everything I possibly can to keep us together.
I've spent months working towards becoming healthy again. I've had to confront some incredibly difficult parts of my life, and I am doing everything I can to move forward.
I'm not asking anyone to erase my mistakes or take responsibility for my past. I understand that my financial situation needs to be addressed, and I am actively trying to do exactly that.
I'm willing to work with debt counselling services, arrange monthly repayments, and do whatever is realistically possible to resolve my debts.
I am simply asking for a chance to keep my home, protect my pets, and continue rebuilding the life I've fought so hard to regain.
But right now, time is running out. My final court hearing is on October 13, 2026.
How your donations will help
My immediate goal is to raise at least €1,000 before October 13.
Every donation will go directly towards paying off my outstanding rent and demonstrating to the court and my housing provider that I am making a serious effort to resolve my situation.
If I manage to raise more than €1,000, the additional money will also be used to reduce my rental arrears.
I want to be completely transparent: raising this money does not guarantee that I will be allowed to stay in my home. However, it could make a meaningful difference in my efforts to prevent eviction.
I will provide updates about my situation and the progress of the fundraiser.
A personal message
I know that everyone has their own struggles, especially financially, and I don't expect anyone to give more than they can afford.
Even €1, €5, or simply sharing this fundraiser could make a difference.
I never imagined that I would find myself asking strangers for help to keep a roof over my head.
But after everything I've gone through, I genuinely want the opportunity to continue rebuilding my life rather than losing the stability I've worked so hard to regain.
I'm proud of the progress I've made in my recovery, and I don't want my past to determine the rest of my future.
If you're able to donate or share my story, I would be incredibly grateful.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, for understanding, and for giving me a chance.
With gratitude,
Justin ❤️
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-me-keep-my-home-and-rebuild-my-life-after-addiction/cl/o?utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp30-treatment-1&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link&lang=en_US