MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) — A local nonprofit is asking for help after being hit by a major cyberattack that stole more than $32,000 from its account.

Steered Straight, a nonprofit that works to prevent drug addiction and help people rebuild their lives, says the theft happened recently and appears to have come from hackers based in New Zealand. The stolen money was meant to finish building tiny homes for women and veterans who are coming out of addiction, homelessness, or prison.

“This is almost all the money we had left to finish our housing projects,” said founder Michael DeLeon. “I hate asking for help, but we’re out of options. We’ve spent everything we had.”

DeLeon started Steered Straight 18 years ago to help educate young people about the dangers of drug use and help those affected by addiction, incarceration, and trauma. The group travels to schools, prisons, and communities across the country, and says they’ve reached more than 16 million students since they began.

The group had been working on two major projects: a tiny home village for women and children escaping addiction and abuse, and transitional housing for veterans. Now both projects are on hold.

DeLeon says even if the money is recovered, it could take up to 90 days—or longer.

“It’s not just money that was stolen. It’s hope. It’s safety. It’s time that we don’t have,” he said.

The group is now turning to the public for support. They’re hoping to raise emergency funds to get their programs back on track. Donations will help them finish the homes, reopen some of their outreach programs, and launch new drug treatment services aimed at helping people struggling with fentanyl and mental health issues.

“We’ve never backed down from a challenge,” DeLeon said. “But we can’t do this alone. No amount is too small. Every little bit helps us move forward.”

Steered Straight is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and all donations are tax-deductible. Anyone who wants to help can visit www.steeredstraight.org to learn more or make a donation. You can also read more about it on their GoFundMe page.