Seeking Strength: Struggling with Homelessness, Illness, and Debt at 23
Assalamu Alaikum, brothers and sisters. I’m 23 years old, living in Ukraine, and right now life feels really tough. Alhamdulillah, I still have faith, but I’m facing a lot: I’ve been without a home for about a month (recently staying with a friend temporarily), I have health issues with my spleen, and I’m weighed down by debts caused by scams and my own mistakes. On top of that, I’m grieving the loss of my brother in the war, and there’s tension with my parents because of everything going on. You might wonder how I ended up here. I was just a student, trusting and unaware. About a year and a half ago, some strangers started threatening me with personal information and demanded money-around $200, which is a lot here. I was unemployed then and took a loan from a microfinance company thinking I could pay it back once I found work. But the job didn’t come quickly, and I ended up borrowing more to pay off old debts, caught in a cycle for six months. Eventually, I found a job, but by then the debt had grown too big. I was making small payments, but then my brother passed away, and the grief hit me and my family hard. I lost focus on my debts, and my parents, under pressure from collectors, stopped supporting me. Until recently, I lived in a dorm near my university, so I didn’t have to worry about rent. But at the end of August, I was evicted. I spent some time on the streets before moving in with a friend, though I know that won’t last forever. In August, I also started having pain in my side. When I went to the hospital in September, they told me my spleen is enlarged. I haven’t been able to afford medicine, and my health has worsened. I’m nervous about my next check-up and unsure if I’ll go. Money is tight, even for food. The silver lining is that I have a job, but nearly all my salary goes toward paying off debts. It’s really hard to keep going and find motivation. I’m asking for any advice, duas, or help you can offer. I’d be grateful beyond words. If you want to know more or if I can support you in any way, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Jazakum Allahu khairan for listening.