Single dad seeks help

Rajah Brown, a 24-year-old single father from Portland, is seeking the public's help to get out of the "dark place" in which he has found himself.

Brown says he has been unable to provide for his two-year-old son, Joaquin, despite his best efforts. The father said that things got so bad to the point that he had no food and had to be cutting baby Joaquin's clothes for them to fit. He then reached out to the TikTok community, where people assisted by providing food and clothes for the baby.

Brown has also started a campaign on the crowdfunding website Real Helping Hands, where he is seeking to raise US$8,000 (approximately J$1.2 million) to help care for the child. The campaign has so far raised US$2,380 (approximately J$368,470).

"I am really just in a dark place and would be grateful for any form of help, whether food or clothes," the young father told THE STAR.

Brown, who has done construction work, days work like yard maintenance, and engages in affiliate marketing, which consists of marketing supplies for sellers and getting commission from sales, worked hard to provide for his family.

"When I get work I save, but a lot of times I owe my landlord; but when I tell him what is happening he understands, he sees the situation and him don't really pressure me; so when I can pay him I pay him," he said.

Brown's monthly rent is $17,000, and when utilities are added his expenses climb to about $20,000.

The single father said he has no certification, but has stopped at nothing to provide for his child. His most recent job was as an attendant in a wholesale. He said that he was forced to quit that job a year ago after his child's mother walked out on them.

"A lot of times I can't find food," said Brown, adding that he gets odd jobs from time to time, but the money is not sufficient for him to take care of his child and pay the bills.

Rajah Brown may be contacted via telephone at (876) 790-2279.

https://realhelpinghands.com/campaign/please-help-to-support-baby-joaquin/